EPD says crime in Eureka has increased during SIP

Six weeks into the Shelter in Place order (SIP) and the Eureka Police Department (EPD) is as busy as ever.  Self-initiated and proactive patrols are up 25% compared to pre-SIP, with an average of 93 self-initiated contacts or patrols a day.  Many of these patrols include business security checks.  Officers have learned which businesses are closed or have adjusted hours and have adapted their patrols accordingly.

Initially EPD did not see an increase in calls for service during the SIP; however, at this six-week mark, the rate of calls for service has increased slightly.  In addition to the 93 self-initiated patrols a day, EPD has handled an average of 112 calls for service per day.

Despite the focused upsurge in proactive business security checks by officers, commercial burglaries (specifically the breaking of a window to steal goods while the business is closed) have increased about 30%.  EPD’s Criminal Investigations Section and Problem Oriented Policing Team have been investigating these crimes and working diligently to make arrests while assisting businesses with improving their security measures.

Violent crime in general also appears to be trending upward.  Most concerning and in line with National trends, is the increase in domestic violence.  21 domestic violence related reports have been taken during the SIP, which is a 50% higher rate than pre-SIP.  Eight arrests for domestic violence have been made, a 30% higher rate.

It is important to note that EPD is still here and fully prepared to respond to your call for help.  EPD Chief Steve Watson had this to add, “Domestic violence should never happen to anyone but it does all too frequently, often going unreported.  Abuse is never okay but you are not alone.  The COVID-19 emergency has not changed in the least how we will respond to and handle domestic violence cases.  We will arrest offenders and they will be booked into the Humboldt County Jail.