Encinitas Sees Big Jump in Property Crime in First Half of 2012

The crime rate in Encinitas rose in the first half of 2012 compared to the first six months of 2011, following a countywide trend, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) announced Wednesday.

So far this year in Encinitas there are 23.23 crimes reported out of every 1,000 residents, a 34 percent rise from the 2011 mid-year rate. The county has seen an 8 percent increase, with 25.07 crimes reported out of every 1,000 residents.

Encinitas’ property crime rate saw the biggest uptick with a 41 percent increase from last year's mid-year rate. That averages to 21.11 property crimes reported out of every 1,000 residents—and last year the rate was 15.01 property crimes reported out of every 1,000 residents. Regionally, the property crime rate climbed 7 percent, with 21.38 property crimes reported out of every 1,000 residents.

The violent crime rate in Encinitas dropped 7 percent compared to the 2011 mid-year numbers. That averages to 2.12 violent crimes reported per 1,000 residents. Countywide there are 3.70 violent crimes reported per 1,000 residents, which is an 8 percent jump from last year.

It's too early to tell if any of this year's uptick is temporary or if it's the beginning of a trend, according to Cynthia Burke, director of criminal justice research for SANDAG.

"We have enjoyed historic lows in crime rates over the past decade, so it's not entirely surprising that the numbers are now going up," Burke stated.

Below is a rundown of how Encinitas crimes breakdown according to data from recent years:

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