Los Angeles International Airport Continues Low Crime Levels

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 17, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Major crime continues to be almost non-existent at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), according to statistics covering the first six months of 2010 released today by Los Angeles Airport Police. Total number of crimes also decreased six percent to 1,146 incidents during the first six months of 2010 from 1,222 incidents reported during the same period in 2009. The total number of arrests decreased slightly by one percent from 674 in mid-year 2009 to 664 in mid-year 2010.

In the category of Part-I Crime, which includes all major categories of crime against persons, there were no robberies reported from January through June this year compared to one in 2008. There was one aggravated assault reported in mid-year 2010 resulting in an arrest, compared to none in mid-year 2009. No homicides or rapes were reported in mid-year 2010 or 2009. 

Los Angeles Airport Police Chief George R. Centeno said, "LAX continues to be one of the safest airports in the world, and one of the safest areas in all of Southern California." He added, "The total number of major crimes against persons is remarkably low, given over 28.7 million travelers used LAX the first half of this year -- a 4.85 percent increase over the same period last year. Including non-traveling visitors and airport workers, we estimate 236,000 people passed through LAX on an average day."

Reports of Part-I Property Crime, the more common type of crime that affects the quality of passengers' experiences at LAX, decreased six percent to 393 incidents in mid-year 2010 compared to 417 mid-year incidents last year. Larceny (theft from individuals) -- the largest category of property crime -- dropped 10 percent from 380 incidents in mid-year 2009 to 343 incidents in mid-year 2010.

Crime involving vehicles slightly increased in mid-year 2010 compared to mid-year 2009. Of the 3,133,270 vehicles parked in LAX parking lots and structures during the first six months of this year, there were 19 reports of burglaries from locked vehicles, an increase of two incidents from 17 incidents in mid-year 2009. Property theft from unlocked/unsecured vehicles increased from nine incidents in mid-year 2009 to 19 incidents in mid-year 2010. A recent arrest made by Airport Police has substantially decreased "Theft From Motor Vehicle" crimes, as the suspect admitted to taking property from several vehicles. 

There were four reports of motor vehicle theft (grand theft auto) mid-year 2010, an increase of one incident from three incidents reported in mid-year 2009.

In Part-II Crime, miscellaneous offenses – the largest single statistical category – decreased nine percent to 699 incidents in mid-year 2010 from 764 in mid-year 2009, primarily as a result of increased proactive law enforcement, as well as increased federal passenger and checked-luggage screening measures. This category includes prohibited weapon violations, drug-related offenses, loitering/Illegal lodging, operating vehicle for hire without authority, forgery, disturbing the peace, driving with a suspended or without a valid license, and solicitor violations.

The number of batteries increased to 28 incidents in mid-year 2010 compared to 21 incidents in mid-year 2009. Reports of vehicle vandalism from all airport parking facilities, including employee parking lots, increased to 25 incidents in mid-year 2010 from 19 in mid-year 2009.

Chief Centeno said, "I commend the on-going professionalism and dedication to duty by our officers, knowing that favorable statistics such as these only happen when officers work hard over a sustained period of time and commit to protecting LAX."

Airport Police statistics cover the approximately 3,600 acres of LAX property, including passenger terminals, parking facilities, aircraft ramps, offices and cargo areas.

Los Angeles Airport Police is the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County with more than 1,200 law enforcement, security and staff personnel. Airport Police is a division of Los Angeles World Airports, the City department that owns and operates three airports in Southern California: Los Angeles International (LAX), LA/Ontario International (ONT) and Van Nuys (general aviation).

The Los Angeles World Airports logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7299