Laguna Beach Police Department Reduces Crime for Fourth Consecutive Year
LAGUNA BEACH, CA - The Laguna Beach Police Department (LBPD) is proud to announce a significant achievement in its ongoing efforts to make Laguna Beach the safest coastal community in Orange County. For the fourth consecutive year, the department has successfully reduced crime overall, with a strong 23% decrease in FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Part 1 crimes in 2024 compared to 2023, a 29% reduction compared to 2022, and a 30% reduction compared to 2021.
Among the department’s notable accomplishments, auto thefts decreased by 40%, from 35 incidents in 2023 to just 21 in 2024. Larceny offenses also declined, with 173 reported thefts—a 23% decrease from the previous year, resulting in 52 fewer theft victims in Laguna Beach. Furthermore, commercial and residential burglaries decreased by 28%, from 46 in 2023 to 33 in 2024.
“The continued decline in crime is the direct result of our proactive policing strategies, community engagement, and data-driven approach to crime prevention,” said Chief Jeff Calvert. “By leveraging technology, data-led policing, and the dedication of our officers and professional staff, we remain committed to ensuring Laguna Beach remains a safe and welcoming community for all.”
When it comes to violent crime, 2024 robbery incidents decreased by three when compared to 2023, while aggravated assaults increased by four, with a quarter of all aggravated assault cases related to domestic violence. Of the nine reported robberies, four involved firearms, and five occurred through force or fear.
A major step toward enhancing crime reporting occurred on January 1, 2025, when the LBPD transitioned to the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) from the UCR system. NIBRS, the modern standard for crime data reporting, allows for more detailed and comprehensive reporting of criminal incidents, including up to 10 offenses within a single event, in contrast to the UCR system, which only reports the primary and most serious offense.
“The significant reduction in crime over the past four years is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team and the strong partnership we’ve built with the community,” said Chief Jeff Calvert. “Transitioning to NIBRS marks a pivotal step forward, enabling us to gain deeper insights into crime patterns and better allocate resources. This advancement will further strengthen our ability to provide exceptional policing and continue making our community even safer.”
