Golden State Today

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office has disclosed its crime statistics for 2024, which cover the county's unincorporated areas and contract cities, including Goleta, Carpinteria, Solvang, and Buellton. The data are organized into Part 1 crimes, dealing with serious offenses, and Part 2 crimes, involving lesser or juvenile offenses.

The data indicate a continued decline in overall Part 1 crimes, dropping from 2,225 in 2023 to 2,187 in 2024, a 2% decrease. Sheriff Bill Brown commented on the trend, noting, "I am proud of the many contributions the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office made during 2024 that helped keep the peace and that made our communities safer."

Despite the drop in overall Part 1 crimes, violent crime saw an increase of almost 8%, rising from 377 to 406 incidents. Part 1 property crimes fell by 4%, with a notable 16% reduction in motor vehicle thefts and a 7% decrease in larceny-thefts. Arson cases surged significantly, influenced by incidents in homeless encampments and along Highway 101.

In contrast, Part 2 crimes rose by approximately 14.7%, from 6,449 in 2023 to 7,396 in 2024. This increase includes public drunkenness, liquor law violations, and disorderly conduct, attributed partly to activities during Deltopia 2024 and enhanced enforcement in Isla Vista.

Each contract city showed varying trends. Buellton and Carpinteria experienced decreases in Part 1 crimes, while Goleta and Solvang saw increases. Isla Vista registered a 4% decrease in Part 1 crimes.

Unincorporated areas, excluding Isla Vista, showed a reduction in overall Part 1 crimes by 7%. However, rape incidents in these regions rose significantly. The Sheriff's Office emphasizes collaboration with local governing bodies to manage and address any negative trends.

This detailed data, including graphics for media use, offers valuable insight into the crime trends within Santa Barbara County for 2024. It reflects ongoing efforts by the Sheriff's Office to maintain public safety and the necessity of community partnerships in crime prevention.