LAPD NEWS RELEASE
Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone on Tuesday released crime statistics through the fourth quarter of 2022 which were compiled by the Records Section of the Los Alamos Police Department. Offenses reported as crime statistics are determined by the FBI Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Program and are classified as crimes against persons (violent crime) and crimes against property. The offenses of murder (homicide), manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault make up the violent crime category. Simple assault is not included in UCR.
The offenses of arson, burglary, larceny, and auto theft make up the property crime category. Both categories are referred to as Part I Offenses. Offenses reported as crime statistics are determined by the FBI Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Program and are classified as crimes against persons (violent crime) and crimes against property.
In April of 2021, the Los Alamos Police Department transitioned from UCR, a Summary Reporting System (SRS), to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). NIBRS was created in the 1980’s to offer more detailed crime reporting. While UCR is based on a hierarchy of crime types and therefore counts only the most serious crime at one event, NIBRS counts all crimes that occur and provides more context to actual crime within the community. NIBRS tracks what are commonly known as both Part 1 and Part 2 crimes and categorizes them as Crimes Against Persons, Crimes Against Property, and Crimes Against Society. Since the list contains multiple offenses reported to the Police Department, a summary will be included in the quarterly news release. This report can be accessed on the Police Department website by selecting Crime Statistics for 2022 on the main page:
https://www.losalamosnm.us/government/departments/police
Given that we began to collect NIBRS data in the second quarter of 2021, the above chart compares data for the last three quarters of 2021 to the last three quarters of 2022 to highlight changes in crime data reported over that period.
It should be noted that large percentage increases can occur with minor variances in small sample sizes. A more critical analysis highlights increases in Theft/Larceny and Fraud incidents reported to the department. Although crime in Los Alamos remains comparatively low, crime trends including catalytic converter thefts have increased overall crime. The department was able to clear seven catalytic converter theft cases in 2022 through arrest. Citizens are reminded to park in a garage if able as well as installing motion lighting and exterior cameras. Also, remain vigilant within your neighborhood and report suspicious behavior when observed.
With respect to Fraud, if it seems too good to be true, it likely is. Do not provide personal identifying information such as social security numbers and bank account information. Fraudsters will request such things as converting your cash to gift cards or cryptocurrency. They will identify themselves as government officials or family members. They will demand payment while threatening to stop your benefits or because you have a warrant for your arrest. If at any time you remain unsure about a particular phone call or email, please contact the Police Department at 505-662-8222 prior to sending any personal identifying information or money. You may also consider contacting the FBI on Fraud scams which helps with tracking offenders and those that have a foreign nexus. General fraud or other criminal complaints can be reported to the FBI by calling 202-324-3000 or online at tips.fbi.gov. Additional information about scams and frauds and reporting options can be found at https://www.usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds and www.ic3.gov.
The Los Alamos Police Department appreciates the community’s involvement in maintaining an exceptionally low crime rate and high quality of life. The Police Department remains committed to being an effective partner with our citizens, community partners, and business owners. For more information on crime prevention, please call Commander Preston Ballew at 505-662-8236.