Violent Crimes in Venice and Mar Vista Drop in 2012

Violent crimes in Venice and Mar Vista decreased from 2011 to 2012, according Los Angeles Police Department data released on Tuesday.

Here is a snapshot of crimes from 2011 to 2012 in the Venice area west of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, south of Rose and including the canal and peninsula area. 

• Aggravated Assaults were down 22.6 percent.
• Property crimes rose 2 percent because of an increase in thefts from vehicles, but burglaries were down 12 percent.

Crimes in the Venice Oakwood area:

• Total violent crime was down 16.7 percent.
• There were 25 percent fewer robberies, and a 13.6 percent fewer aggravated assaults.
• Total property crimes were down 5.4 percent due to a decrease of 22.2 percent in thefts. However, there was an increase in grand theft autos.

Crimes in Mar Vista east of Lincoln Boulevard to the 405 fwy and north of Venice Boulevard.

• Total violent crime was down 3.8 percent. Although aggravated assaults were down, robberies were up.
• Property crimes were down 7.4 percent due to a decrease in all crimes except grand theft autos. 

Crimes in Mar Vista Area south of Venice Blvd, west to Centinela Avenue, and south to Jefferson Boulevard.

• Total violent crime was down 19.4 percent.
• Total property crime was up 14.5 percent due to a 29.2 percent spike in burglaries and a 46.4 percent rise in thefts. 
• Grand theft auto and theft from vehicles were down.

Click here for an interactive map of recent crimes in Venice and Mar Vista.

The LAPD reminds people to keep valuables out of sight in their home and vehicles. Many stolen vehicles or ones broken into are left unlocked. Many thefts are crimes of opportunity, where items are being taken from front lawns, balconies and underground parking garages. As some of the most commonly stolen items are cell phones, LAPD recommends downloading a GPS tracking software for stolen phones. 

Here are a few apps to track stolen phones:

Device Locator - iPhone

FoneHome - iPhone

GadgetTrak - iPhone

Instamapper - Android

Lookout Mobile Security - Android