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Crime stats show that city is among the safest in area
By Jason Baker
While the average number of reported crimes in Saratoga remains well below the volume of crimes reported nationwide, certain crimes increased slightly during the first part of 1999.
A public safety report released by the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department Westside Substation shows a slight decrease in total reported incidents through May 1999 in comparison to last year. Records show 279 reports filed through May, compared to 285 filed through May 1998. The total number of reports used for comparison does not include accidents involving property damage or moving-violation citations.
"I think we're holding our own very well," said Lt. Cary Cola, the substation's assistant division commander. "Saratoga remains one of the safest communities in the country. We're not exempt from crime by any means, but the numbers are way down."
Reports of grand theft, or theft of an item valued at more than $400, showed a marked decrease, down to 30 from 41 in '98. Reported sex crimes, including rape, unlawful intercourse, felony sex offense, indecent exposure, lewd and lascivious behavior and misdemeanor sex offenses, decreased from five incidents in '98 to two in '99.
Also on the decline are reported armed robberies, dropping from two in 1998 to zero for the first five months of '99. Disturbances decreased as well, from 88 reported in 1998 to just 47 in '99.
The report also showed cases of residential burglary remained constant, with 32 in both '98 and '99. Auto theft also remained static, with five reported incidents through five months.
"Crime prevention remains a concerted effort between our office and the community," Cola said. "We encourage people to call 9-1-1 and to stay aware of incidents that might be occurring in the community."
Despite documented decreases in several areas, reported incidents in five categories--commercial burglary, domestic violence, simple and aggravated assault, driving under the influence and vandalism--increased in comparison to the first part of last year. Vandalism increased the most dramatically, jumping from 48 in '98 to 74 in '99. Additionally, DUI reports increased from 22 in '98 to 36 through May '99.
"We had a rash of burglaries in February, but investigations led to the arrest of five individuals involved in those incidents," Cola said. "Our detectives did a great job. When arrests are made, it tends to reduce the number of occurrences, and tends to increase public awareness of the importance of keeping valuables locked up."
As for reports of vandalism, Cola said incidents are often hard to regulate, depending on the type of activity. Many of the reports come from schools, he said.
"Vandalism is generally attributed to youthful offenders. The problem is cyclical and increases a bit during certain times of the year. We're ever working on this problem."
In the area of reported domestic violence and assaults, Cola said the department does the best job possible in responding to complaints and 9-1-1 calls.
Reports of domestic violence increased from 10 in '98 to 14 in '99 through the month of May, documents show. Aggravated and simple assault reports increased from 17 in '98 to 22 in '99 during the five-month comparison period.
As with many crimes, domestic violence and assault cases can only be addressed when they are reported, Cola said.
Resources and support for victims of domestic violence in Santa Clara County are available. Victims in the Saratoga area can contact the substation, 867-9719, or the Santa Clara County victim's assistance division, 295-2656 or 792-2546.
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Saratoga, California Since 1975
