LOS ANGELES – A significant MacArthur Park crime drop has been reported following city intervention in January, Mayor Karen Bass announced. Speaking at a press conference at Rampart Police Station at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 10, Bass highlighted the 57% decline in violent crime and the recovery of $350,000 in stolen merchandise by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
The crime drop follows aggressive public safety measures, including a zero-tolerance enforcement policy. Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez and local organizations continue efforts to improve conditions in the neighborhood.
“Crime in the area is down—theft and organized retail crime will not be tolerated in Los Angeles,” said Mayor Bass. “I thank the LAPD, Councilwoman Hernandez, and community organizations for their dedication to making MacArthur Park safer.”
LAPD Reports MacArthur Park Crime Drop
Following a multi-victim shooting in January, LAPD intensified patrols and targeted gang-related activity in MacArthur Park. The city also installed fencing to disrupt illegal drug and weapon sales, contributing to the crime reduction.
Crime Statistics Show Significant Decline
- 57% decrease in violent crime, including a 50% drop in robberies and 45% reduction in aggravated assaults.
- 28% decrease in property crime, including burglaries and theft from vehicles.
Retail Theft Crackdown Strengthens MacArthur Park Crime Drop
LAPD recovered stolen merchandise from CVS, Walgreens, Ross Dress for Less, T.J. Maxx, and Target. Since Mayor Bass launched the Organized Retail Crime Task Force and Cargo Theft Unit in August 2023, authorities have made over 350 arrests and recovered $66 million in stolen goods.
“We’ve made progress, but there’s still work to do,” said LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. “This effort is dismantling retail theft networks and holding criminals accountable.”
Ongoing Efforts to Sustain MacArthur Park Crime Drop
The city and Councilwoman Hernandez are developing a safe, legal vending system in MacArthur Park, protecting vendors from gang extortion. Additional actions to improve safety include:
- Deploying Gang Reduction & Youth Development (GRYD) teams to prevent retaliatory violence.
- Assigning CIRCLE mental health teams to assist unhoused individuals in crisis.
- Hosting Fall Fridays, attracting 4,700 participants for safe community events.
- Removing 200+ tons of debris and installing new solar streetlights for enhanced security.
Community discussions with residents, vendors, and business owners continue to shape sustainable strategies, ensuring that the MacArthur Park crime drop remains long-term.
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
