MAC Meeting: Property Crime Up 7%, Officials Report

Crime is down overall in Castro Valley, but property crimes continue to plague the area, according to an update given to the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office at Monday night’s meeting. 

Sergeant Marcus Cox gave the MAC a statistical breakdown of 2023’s crime numbers, reporting that total “person crimes” such as murder and assault are down 23 percent from 2022. 

“Crimes against people are usually targeted, and the public’s fear shouldn’t be there,” said Cox.

However, property crimes are up 7 percent, including robberies and car break-ins. 

Cox lamented the “decriminalization” of property crimes and said that shoplifting and “bipping” (the breaking of a car window to smash and grab belongings inside) lately go unprosecuted due to state mandates on felony minimum thefts. 

“We are feeling that,” said Cox. “Castro Valley itself is feeling that.”

He added that Safeway, TJ Maxx, Ross, and stores in the Village are common theft targets overall.

“Society crimes” such as drug offenses and disorderly conduct are down 35 percent from 2022 figures.

Cox reported that there were no murders in Castro Valley in 2023 (one occurred in 2022), three forcible sex offenses, 11 reports of aggravated assault, and 16 reports of simple assault.

Additionally, there were six robberies, 22 motor vehicle thefts, and 40 reported cases of theft or larceny.

As far as actual arrests in town, they were down in all three categories (person, property, and society) to 42 total from 59 in 2022.

Cox told the MAC that Castro Valley is among the safest places the sheriff’s office patrols outside the rural areas of Alameda County.

He added that some formerly common crimes, such as catalytic converter thefts, are way down because deputies are more involved and that the buyers of stolen goods have been identified and no longer practice.

Demographically, 17 of those arrested in Castro Valley in 2023 were black, 12 were white, and nine were Hispanic. Men accounted for 35 of the 42 arrested; 11 were aged 28-32, and ten were between 33 and 37. Castro Valley residents accounted for 14 arrestees: 14 from unknown towns, five from Hayward, and five from Oakland.

Cox said that, generally speaking, when deputies pursued a suspect, they would flee west, and many did appear to be headed to Oakland. 

“I don’t know what significance that has, but that’s what happens,” said Cox.

MAC Vice Chair Chuck Moore asked if recidivism is an issue. Cox answered that the sheriff’s office knows most arrestees as reoffenders.

“I know the players,” said Cox. “It’s rare that we have contact with someone we haven’t seen before. It’s almost comical, but it’s not comical, how you see the same people all the time doing the same thing.”

Cox said that crime trending downwards is a positive development, but his advice remains to avoid becoming a victim by using common sense, such as not leaving valuables in your car and reporting suspicious behaviors.

“If you see something, say something,” said Cox. “Help us help you. Be your own advocate- lock your doors, know your neighbors, and be vigilant. We’re here, and we’re ready to work.”