LCPD Releases 2011 Crime Stats

Crime (like mayhem) is everywhere. While Lake Charles didn't see a big increase in crime last year, there are a few statistics that are disturbing and one of those stats indicate a rise in juvenile crime. A few other statistics were up as well and Police Chief Don Dixon has also identified a few problem areas of the city where crime is especially high.

Lake Charles Police Chief Don Dixon expressed concern over the number of juvenile-related crimes reported in 2011.

Dixon says  there were 252 juvenile arrests in 2011 — 17 percent more than in 2010, when 215 juveniles were arrested.

Overall, the city saw a 1.4 percent increase in offenses.

“Juvenile arrests concerns me. We’ve seen a spike. There is considerable gang activity, and we are going out and try and target them,” Dixon said.

“We are going to get proactive about curfew hours. Our officers will pick up and take youth back to their parents,” he said.  Some people may not be aware of this, but if you are a parent and your child is out past curfew, you can be ticketed.

Lake Charles’ curfew for those under the age of 17 who are not working or with a guardian or parent is 11 p.m.-5 a.m. Monday through Thursday and midnight-5 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

The report shows 10,215 criminal offenses were reported in the city in 2011, in contrast to 10,073 in 2010.

Police investigated 1,630 crimes against people (murder, rape, robbery and assault or battery) in 2011, which was more than the 1,422 in 2010.

Police responded to 5,164 crimes against property (burglary, larceny, vehicle theft and arson) in 2011 — 5 percent more than the 4,877 in 2010.

Dixon said the overall crime numbers “were up a little bit, but they were down in 2010. Now we have a slight increase. Things go in cycles.”

Extra patrol officers, special enforcement details and continued outreach to the public in “hot crime zones” are tools the department can use to monitor and control the crime rate, Dixon said.

There are a few areas of town that are listed as "hot" areas. If you live in one of these areas be aware of your surroundings and take precautions especially if you venture out after dark.

Beat 6 — the area bordered by Broad Street, 12th Street, First Avenue to Kayouchee Coulee — was the city’s hotbed of criminal activity in 2011. Police reported 1,364 crimes in that section of the city.

In Beat 7 — bordered by Sallier Street, Ryan Street and Interstate 210 — 926 crimes were recorded. In Beat 12 — bordered by Interstate 210, McNeese Street, Louisiana Avenue and La. 14 — 924 crimes were reported.