LOS ANGELES, CA – In 2021 while the overall number of robberies are even with the number last year & down 16% from two-years ago, the number of robberies involving a firearm have increased significantly. Those increases have been seen particularly in the central & western portions of the city.
In 2021, robberies involving a handgun account for nearly 27 percent of all robberies. This is an increase from 21 percent and 22 percent in 2019 and 2020, respectively.
The LA Police Department has increased foot patrols utilizing added staffing on overtime in those neighborhoods most impacted.
Uniform police reserves have also been deployed and will continue. Investigative efforts have been strengthened including Robbery Homicide Division.The Department is also working closely with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure every full measure of prosecution on those found responsible for these violent crimes.
This disturbing upward trend in armed robberies can only be curtailed through a shared responsibility and a strong partnership between the LAPD and all city stakeholders, the LAPD said in a statement.