LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ — On July 9th, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joined Police Chief Charlie Beck to report an 11 percent drop in violent crime, as well as reductions in property crime and gang crime in the city’s 2010 mid-year crime statistics report. “We are experiencing remarkable improvements in crime reduction and need to look no further than our mid-year crime statistics to see that,” Mayor Villaraigosa said.

“For the 8th consecutive year, crime overall in the City of Los Angeles has dropped. Despite the economic downturn, our unwavering commitment to public safety has yielded tangible, positive results.”

At the mid-year mark for 2010, crime is down six percent with total violent crime down 11 percent and property crime down five percent. The Mayor and Chief noted a rise in homicides, up four percent from last year; however since 2005, homicides are down nearly 40 percent.

Pledging continued success in crime reduction, the Mayor and Chief reiterated their commitment to public safety and to maintaining the size of the police force. They also highlighted the success of more targeted police strategies, community policing and improved enforcement tactics.

In addition, in the first six months of the year, the City has experienced a nine percent decrease in gang-related crimes. Gang related robberies declined by 10 percent, aggravated assault decreased by eight percent and gang related attacks on police officers are down by 21 percent.

Complementing the City’s police force, the Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development has targeted gang intervention and prevention efforts where they are needed most – in the areas of highest gang crime. This summer, the City will once again keep the lights on at parks in the most violence-plagued neighborhoods and has expanded its Summer Night Lights program to 24 parks this year.