Statewide — California saw a drop in most types of crime last year, including homicide, car break-ins, and auto theft, according to new data from the California Department of Justice.
But while overall crime is down, shoplifting is on the rise and remains a concern for businesses and law enforcement across the state.
Violent crime decreased by 5.5% and property crime dropped by 10% in 2024. The state’s property crime rate is now the lowest it has been in nearly 40 years. Notably, car theft fell by 16.8% in its first decline since 2019, but it remains nearly 20% higher than pre-pandemic levels…