Homicides Down in LASD Jurisdictions

Homicides in areas and cities patrolled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department were down 5 percent for the first eight months of 2012 compared to the same period last year, according to statistics available Saturday.

In areas patrolled by sheriff's deputies, 109 people have been killed this year, compared to 116 in the first eight months of 2011, according to the department.

In 2011, the number of homicides per capita were at their lowest level since 1965, according to the department.

In the areas of the Palos Verdes Peninsula patrolled by the Lomita Sheriff's Station, only one homicide was reported in 2011, and none have been reported during the first eight months of 2012.

The first three quarters of 2012 saw an increase of 3.86 percent in overall violent crimes and serious property crimes have increased by 5.01 percent, compared to the first eight months of 2011, officials said.

The sheriff's department patrols unincorporated county areas like Westfield and Academy Hill in Palos Verdes and provides contract law enforcement services to 42 cities, including Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates.

To view the latest crime rate figures go to www.lasd.org and visit the "Crime Prevention and Information" page.