The City of Carlsbad Police Department provided an update to the City Council Tuesday on the latest regional crime statistics, which show that Carlsbad’s violent crime rate remains lower than the county average, and property crimes have decreased 10% over the past five years, compared to 5% countywide.

The San Diego Association of Government analyzed 2021 crimes in the County of San Diego and a breakdown by individual jurisdiction.  The 2021 statistics are compared to 2020 and to five years ago. Police Chief Mickey Williams explained that crime rates in 2020 were lower than other years due to the impacts of COVID-19, so the five-year comparison may be a more meaningful measure.

* Increase in assaults following reopening of bars following COVID-19 closures

Reopening of bars linked to increase in assaults

• The violent crime rate in Carlsbad was 2.18 per 1,000 residents in 2021, lower than the county’s rate of 3.74 per 1,000 residents.
• The increase in the violent crime rate compared to 2020 is thought be due largely due to the reopening of bars and entertainment venues after the pandemic health restrictions were eased. Specifically, the reopening of downtown bars caused an increase in the assaults and led to the Police Department holding a summit for alcohol and entertainment related businesses in June to discuss solutions.
• The Police Department also increased patrols and proactive details.

Property crime information

• 49% of the burglaries had no forced entry
• 46% of thefts were from cars
• 62% of the burglaries were commercial

Auto theft

• In 2021, 186 vehicles were reported stolen in Carlsbad. Officers also recovered 160 stolen vehicles .
• Of the stolen vehicles recovered, 71% were found with the assistance of automated license plate readers.

Trends affecting Carlsbad
Williams said the City of Carlsbad has put new programs in place to address trends in catalytic converter theft and bicycle theft, which are driving the city’s theft rate up.

In February 2022, the City Council passed a new law that will make it easier to catch people who steal catalytic converters from cars. Catalytic converters have valuable metal that thieves try to sell.

• The Police Department is also partnering with law enforcement agencies countywide and other organizations to [CA1]reduce catalytic converter theft and with the DA’s Office to coordinate stronger penalties.
• The department has also arranged for free catalytic converter engraving, which also deters theft and makes it easier to catch thieves.
• Members of the Senior Volunteer Patrol have delivered informational materials in the community so people are aware of how to protect their cars from this type of theft.

The Police Department is also taking actions to reduce bike thefts.

• Investigators have deployed “bait bikes” to catch would be thieves. Bait bikes are left in areas where thefts have been reported, and the Police are alerted through a tracking device if someone attempts to steal them.
• The Police Department has partnered with www.bikeindex.com to help people register their bikes.
• The department also has an ongoing public awareness campaign about how to prevent bike theft.

Other recent changes include a new police store front at the downtown Visitor Center, which raises the police presence in the Village and enables more foot patrols in the area.