A year-end report on local crime is expected within the next three to four weeks, but Hollister Police Chief David Westrick took to Facebook to tout what he terms a “significant” drop in crime locally in 2016. The report, an overview of which is available online, shows an overall crime drop of 19.9 percent compared to 2015.
Property crime was down 25.17 percent, according to the statistics, and violent crime saw an 8 percent drop.
The report available online summarizes all Part I crimes in the City of Hollister, which refers to “crimes most likely to be reported and crimes that occur with sufficient frequency to provide an adequate basis for comparison.” The statistics are part of Uniform Crime Reporting, a statewide law enforcement program designed to provide a nationwide view of crime based on the submission of statistics by law enforcement agencies throughout the country. Each agency is required to report monthly crime statistics to the California Department of Justice, which will in turn forward the information to the FBI. The FBI then uses this information to publish their annual Uniform Crime Report.
On Facebook, Westrick called the nearly 20 percent reported decrease in crime “a remarkable drop in one years time.”
He said he credits three things:
1) “We have a remarkable efficient and professional staff of sworn and non-sworn employees (Police and Animal Care & Services).
2) We work for the greatest folks (all of you people) on the planet that truly ‘get it’. You call us when you see suspicious stuff. You volunteer to be witnesses when you see something. You go out of your way to assist us in anyway possible. Heck I occasionally get a high-five and a few hugs. Its because of our cooperative, community beneficial relationship that contributes to crime being down.
3) We have a supportive team on the City Council that have the vision of a safe Hollister and a supportive team within the ranks of the City of Hollister. That’s Hollister Fire, Development Services, Administration, City Yard, Planning, Recreation, Engineering, really the entire team is focused on a building this city back to a vibrant, business and family place to live.”
Check back with BenitoLink for a detailed look at and local reaction to the statistics.
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