ICSO says crime rates decrease, other crimes increase

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)-With the majority of the population is staying home, the Imperial County Sheriff's Office sees a significant decrease in overall crime rates. 

Chief Deputy Robert Benavidez says that crime rates have decreased but house calls involving domestic violence have increased. 

Chief Deputy Robert Benavidez says that crime rates have decreased like crimes against property, that includes burglary, theft, vandalism, and trespassing. House calls however involving domestic violence have seen an increase. 

“We have seen a small rise in our crimes against persons these are our basic disturbing the peace calls, verbal or physical fights, and so some of those are a result of what some may consider cabin fever being stuck inside. But we have seen a small rise in those that include domestic violence,” he said.

There has also been an increase in calls about businesses that aren’t complying with safety orders and large gatherings. 

“We’ve had calls in reference to there being big gatherings like birthday parties right or parties um we’ve had those as well in which we’ve responded to and dispersed.” 

Benavidez says they did not arrest anyone that wasn’t complying with the health orders but instead they are trying to inform the community. 

Police departments across the country are reporting a spike in domestic violence cases. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also reporting a surge in calls from victims.