Crime Decline in Oxnard: A Look at the Transformation
Jose Rivera’s path from growing up in Oxnard’s Colonia neighborhood where gang violence was common in the 1970s and 1980s, to becoming an assistant sheriff shows a major change in community safety. Back then, gang-related killings were frequent and people often avoided calling the police out of fear of retaliation. Now, as a top official in the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Rivera sees a safer community. His mother still lives in the same house illustrating the significant improvements in safety over the years, according to the report of VC Star.
Oxnard’s Murder Rate Drops to Historic Low
In 2023, Oxnard recorded only seven criminal homicides and the fewest since 2001. This is a sharp decline from the peak of 14 homicides in 2019. The drop is part of a larger trend of reduced violent and property crimes. Ventura County’s crime rates especially for violent crimes are now much lower than they were in the early 1990s.
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(photo: Movegreen)
Challenges in Measuring Crime Trends with New Data Systems
The switch to a new crime reporting system called NIBRS and has made it harder to compare crime data over time. Although complete 2023 statistics for Ventura County aren’t available yet initial reports show mixed results: a slight rise in criminal homicides but overall violent and property crimes are still down. The new system collects more detailed data, which can make crime rates seem higher even if actual crime hasn’t increased.
Ventura County Sees Long-Term Safety Improvements
Despite the challenges in reporting crime data, Ventura County has seen a big drop in crime rates over the past decades. In 2022, the rates of both violent and property crimes were less than half of what they were in 1996. This improvement has made Ventura County one of the safest large counties in California reflecting a general decline in crime nationwide.
Less Visible but Still Present
Gang activity in Ventura County has become less visible since the 1990s. While gangs are still active and they are not as obvious or as frequently seen in public. Efforts like civil injunctions and community policing, along with programs for young people have helped reduce gang violence and made communities safer.
Youth Programs and Community Policing: Keys to Reducing Crime
The decrease in crime can also be linked to successful youth programs and community policing. In Oxnard, places like the Boys & Girls Clubs provide positive activities for young people helping to steer them away from crime. These programs, combined with proactive police work have contributed to a drop in juvenile crime and improved neighborhood safety.
Business Owners Face New Crime Challenges
Even with overall crime rates going down some crimes like shoplifting and commercial burglaries are still concerns. Businesses especially those selling high-value items like cigarettes are facing more thefts. George Touma who owns House of Smokes in Ventura has seen his store broken into multiple times, leading him to increase security measures. This shift shows how crime patterns are changing and affecting local businesses even as overall crime rates decrease.
