CRIME DROPS 27 PERCENT AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN 2011

CRIME DROPS 27 PERCENT AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN 2011

            (Los Angeles, California – January 5, 2012)  The number of overall crimes reported at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) dropped 27 percent last year, and major crime continues to decline as well, according to 2011 statistics released today by Los Angeles Airport Police. 

The drop in crime occurred while passenger volume is estimated to have increased over five percent to nearly 61.9 million passengers last year from 59 million passengers in 2010. 

            "The reduction in crime at LAX is testimony to our commitment to public safety in and around the airport," Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa said. "We continue to invest in layers of security to ensure safe, efficient travel for the tens of millions of people who fly through LAX every year -- their safety is our top priority."

Los Angeles World Airports Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey said, “We are currently investing $4.1 billion to modernize LAX, while continually focusing on improving customer service.  We believe the highest customer service we can provide the public is to ensure their personal safety and security while at LAX, and the continuing crime reduction levels at LAX demonstrates our commitment to that principle.”

            Total number of reported crimes at LAX dropped 27 percent to 1,612 in 2011 from 2,220 in 2010.  Major crime decreased by 29 percent to 508 incidents in 2011 from 715 incidents in 2010.  Total number of arrests decreased by 18.7 percent to 1,095 in 2011 compared to 1,347 in 2010.  In the airport environment, one arrest often resolves several crime cases. 

Los Angeles Airport Police Chief George R. Centeno said, “LAX is one of the safest, high-density and high-traffic areas in the City of Los Angeles.  The total number of crimes is remarkably low, given over 250,000 people – travelers, visitors and workers – come to LAX every day.  The 2011 crime statistics are a direct testament to the dedicated hard work provided by every sworn police officer and civilian employee working together to ensure people and their property are safe and secure while at LAX.”

In the category of Part-I Crime Against Persons, which includes all major categories of violent crime, there were no homicides or rapes reported.  Three robberies were reported last year, resulting in two arrests, compared to two robberies in 2010.  Two aggravated assaults were reported in 2011 compared to three in 2010.   

Reports of Part 1-Property Crime, the more common type of crime that affects the quality of passengers’ experiences at LAX, decreased 29 percent to 503 incidents in 2011 compared to 710 in 2010.  Larceny (theft from individuals), the largest category of property crime, dropped 29 percent to 440 incidents in 2011 compared to 621 in 2010.  There were 14 reports of commercial burglary in 2011, compared to nine reports in 2010.

            Of the 6,154,914vehicles parked in LAX public parking facilities in 2011, there were 19reports of burglary from locked  vehicles, a decrease of 32 percent compared to 28incidents in 2010.  Property theft from unlocked/unsecured vehicles decreased 42 percent to 26 reported incidents in 2011 from 45incidents in 2010.  There were four reports of motor vehicle theft (grand theft auto) in 2011, three fewer than in 2010.    

Part-II Crime, the largest single statistical category of Miscellaneous Offenses, dropped 26.6 percent to 1,104 in 2011 compared to 1,505 in2010.  The drop in crime comes as a result of increased proactive law enforcement and 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.

Reports of battery decreased slightly from 51 in 2010 to 49 in 2011.  Reports of vehicle vandalism from all airport parking facilities, including employee parking lots, increased 16 percent from 37 in 2010 to 43 incidents in 2011.   

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, a division of Los Angeles World Airports, is the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County with more than 1,200 law enforcement, security and staff personnel.

About Los Angeles International Airport  

LAX is the sixth busiest airport in the world and third in the United States, offering more than 600 daily flights to 91 domestic cities and more than 1,000 weekly nonstop flights to 56 cities in 32 countries on nearly 75 air carriers.  It ranks 13th in the world in air cargo tonnage processed.    

      In 2010 (the latest full-year statistics available), LAX served more than 59 million passengers, processed over 1.9 million tons of air cargo valued at nearly $77 billion, and handled 575,835 aircraft operations (landings and takeoffs).  LAX is part of a system of three Southern California airports – along with LA/Ontario International and Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City’s general fund.