According to San Mateo County's late 2024 crime statistics, violent and property crimes decreased significantly last year, dropping 14 and 15 percent, respectively, compared to 2023.
This was reported by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Christina Corpus, which indicated that these statistics reflect crimes reported in the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County and in the contracted communities of Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, San Carlos, Portola Valley and Woodside.
The Sheriff's Office also provides contracted law enforcement services for Caltrain and SamTrans and operates two jail facilities.
Thus, between January 1 and December 31, 2024, the agency's crime data demonstrates a measurable improvement in public safety compared to the same period in 2023.
Violent crime decreased 14 percent, with 149 fewer reported cases, while property crime decreased 15 percent, which is 487 fewer incidents than the previous year.
Corpus attributed the success to the dedication and professionalism of the Sheriff's Office staff, as well as the agency's continued collaboration with community partners.
“San Mateo County remains a safe place to live, work and visit. These significant decreases in crime are a direct result of the unwavering commitment of the men and women of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, who work tirelessly to protect our communities,” he said.
In that regard, the sheriff said that partnerships with local residents, businesses and organizations have played a crucial role in ensuring public safety.
According to reports to the California Department of Justice, murder/manslaughter remains rare, with only one reported case of manslaughter in 2024.
The San Mateo County District Attorney's Office did not file manslaughter charges in this case.
Rape crimes also decreased by 25 percent, with nine fewer reported cases; while aggravated assault also decreased by 25 percent, with 44 incidents less than those recorded in 2023.
In the case of simple assault, this fell by 18 percent, with 112 fewer cases reported; while theft in homes and businesses fell by 7 percent, with 21 fewer incidents; theft/robbery fell by 17 percent, with 237 fewer incidents; and cases of stolen property fell by 25 percent, with 40 fewer cases reported.
However, authorities said, theft increased 15 percent, with eight additional cases reported, as did motor vehicle theft with an increase of 9 percent, with 18 additional incidents reported.
Throughout the year, community members can view crime data on the Sheriff's Office Transparency Portal San Mateo County. The program allows the user to search for crimes by date, location, and type of crime.
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