The City Council, observing that crime rates were rising,
decided during its goal-setting retreat in January to hold a public
workshop to get a handle on the problem.
The City Council, observing that crime rates were rising, decided during its goal-setting retreat in January to hold a public workshop to get a handle on the problem.
“Council wanted a better understanding of the nature of the issue and what could be done about it,” said Ed Tewes, city manager.
The Police Department publishes monthly crime statistic reports, the latest of which covers the calendar year to Sept. 1. As of that date most serious crime levels have risen compared to 2002. In some categories, the clearance rate is higher than the national rate; in others it is lower. Clearance means that charges have been filed against a suspect.
So far, during 2003, there have been no murders in Morgan Hill; in 2002 there was one. Murder is an unusual occurrence in the town of 34,900 people. There were five rapes by the end of August 2003 and five during all of 2002. The Morgan Hill clearance rate for rape is 20 percent against the national clearance rate of 47 percent.
Under aggravated assaults: year to date, firearms, one in 2003, five in all of 2002; knives, eight and 11; other weapons, 13 and eight in 2002; hands and feet, eight and seven. Local clearance was 60 percent and national clearance 57 percent.
Under the crimes against property: year to date, eight armed robberies in 2003, six in 2002; nine and four strong arm robberies with total robberies at 17 and 10 with local clearance at 29 percent; national clearance was 26 percent.
Burglary statistics are similar: 48 forcible entries by Sept. 1, 2003 and 37 in 2002; 51 and 49 unlawful entries and four and seven attempted force. Local clearance of 20 percent topped the 13 percent national clearance.
Under larceny, 525 against 400 in 2002 with 7 and 18 percent local and national clearance; 64 and 41 auto thefts with 17 and 14 percent clearance and 11 and 18 incidents of arson with 9 and 19 percent clearance.
The grand total of criminal activity to the end of August was 755 serious crimes; the year 2002 racked up 599 for twelve months.
Chief of Police Jerry Galvin said he will have several presenters at the workshop dealing with different aspects of the problem. He encouraged the public to attend the workshop.
“I think the public will find it interesting,” Galvin said.
The crime control workshop begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
City Council meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday in City Hall Chambers, 17555 Peak Ave. The complete Council agenda in full is available at the City Clerk’s desk in City Hall and on line at www.morgan-hill.ca.gov/ Details: 779-7271.
