2020 San Ramon Valley Crime Data – The “Reduction” Year
Crime and reporting data for the San Ramon Valley during a year of minimal travel tells the story of how a quiet community became quieter. However, there were several crime categories that trended similar to 2018, before an increase in crime in 2019.
The most noticeable and expected reductions were in the traffic category. According to Danville traffic data, officials estimate traffic flow was down 50 – 60% during the peak “lockdown.” Both Danville and San Ramon experienced a sharp reduction in traffic collisions while police issued significantly fewer citations. For overall traffic collisions, Danville experienced a decrease of 37.5% and San Ramon 33% from 2019. Traffic stops in Danville and San Ramon were down, 53% and 49% respectively. Citations were also down, 55% and 49%. Only 19% of San Ramon’s traffic citations were speed-related. DUI arrests and collisions in San Ramon were down, 44% and 42% respectively.
Part One crimes are tracked for uniformly gathering crime data across the country. They include felonies like murder, rape, robbery, burglary, etc. Based on the previous 3-year average, violent crimes remained low in Danville but increased 20% to similar numbers of 2018 (from the 3 year average of 18.33 to 22 in 2020). Burglaries in Danville remained about the same from 48 (3-year average) to 47 while stolen vehicles and thefts decreased 56% and 29%, respectively. Violent crimes per person were seven times lower in Danville and San Ramon than the national average. In San Ramon, violent crimes remained about the same (5% increase: 57.3 3 year average to 54 to 2020). Property crimes in Danville decreased 28% based on the 3-year average and decreased 17% in San Ramon. Overall, Part One crimes decreased 18.5% in Danville and 16% in San Ramon. There were no homicides in either jurisdiction.
Comparing San Ramon to nearby cities like Dublin, Pleasanton and Walnut Creek, San Ramon has a lower crime rate with less budget. Notably, San Ramon had 59% fewer aggravated assaults reported in 2020 than the average of those cities. San Ramon’s average budget per population was the lowest, 20% less than the average of the other three cities. The 2020 Annual Report revealed 80% of their budget is spent on personnel.
The Danville Police Department also shares data regarding response times to Priority One, or urgent calls for service. This year, those response times increased 15% to 5 minutes, 23 seconds. Danville Police also provide case closure data from their investigations team. 100% of the 4 rape cases were closed, 62% of robberies, 88% of aggravated assaults, 26% of burglaries, and 38% of vehicle thefts, all exceeding the national average. However, only 14% of theft cases were closed compared to the 18% national average.
Both Danville and San Ramon installed automated license plate reading cameras. Danville now has these cameras in 23 locations (up from 13) and San Ramon has 45.
As part of their annual reports, both departments shared crime-solving stories. Danville Police described a serial burglar who stole items from a collectables store five times, accounting for 11% of Danville’s 2020 burglaries. Using DNA analysis, investigators identified and arrested the suspect. San Ramon Police investigators identified a burglary and vehicle theft suspect and tracked him using automated license plate cameras located in the southern California area. Anaheim Police ultimately arrested the suspect, who was out on bail for homicide.
