California crime waves, real and imaginary
Crime in California has been presented as a dire emergency lately. But the numbers tell a different story: It's nowhere near historical highs. So what's going on?
Headlines From The Times · Gustavo Arellano, Kasia Broussalian, Erika D Smith, Sam Dean, Denise Guerra, Shannon Lin, Alex Higgins, Jazmin Aguilera, Mario Diaz, Lauren Raab, Shani Hilton, Ashlea Brown, Angel Carreras, Melissa Kaplan
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Show Notes
It’s been a season of crime in California. Smash-and-grab thefts, follow-home robberies, high-profile murders — national, even international news accounts have painted a Golden State of chaos.
The numbers tell a different story: Some major crime indicators are up, but others are down, and they’re nowhere near historical highs. But that reality isn’t placating anyone. And when Californians get mad about crime — watch out, America.
Today, L.A. Times columnist Erika D. Smith discusses California’s legacy of crackdowns. And business reporter Sam Dean discusses how some stores may be taking advantage of public fear.
More reading:
Column: Don’t let Jacqueline Avant’s shooting get pulled into L.A.'s crass politics of crime
San Francisco confronts a crime wave unusual among U.S. cities
Retailers say thefts are at crisis level. The numbers say otherwise