Crime statistics are an uncomfortable topic, but they are essential data to consider when contemplating a move.

Downey ranks at a medium level compared to similarly sized cities in California based on crime rates per 100,000 people. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report and California Department of Justice data, Downey's violent crime rate is lower than or similar to the state average.

The homicide rate is at a low single-digit level per 100,000 people, which is not high compared to other cities in LA County. However, it is important to look at trends rather than absolute numbers. The number of homicides per year fluctuates between 0 and 5, and incidents concentrated in specific years can distort the statistics.

Vehicle-related crimes are the most common property crimes in Downey. Vehicle theft and vehicle burglary are the main categories.

This is not just an issue for Downey but a general trend across Southern California. Since California's Proposition 47 in 2014 reduced thefts under $950 to misdemeanors, there has been an increase in reported property crimes. Basic preventive measures include not leaving items in vehicles and using security devices (steering locks, GPS trackers).

Among property crimes, residential burglary does occur in Downey but is not frequent. Locking doors, installing security cameras (like Ring or Nest), and sharing information among neighbors (using the Nextdoor app) are effective preventive measures. In the Downey Korean community, information about residential burglary incidents is quickly shared through KakaoTalk group chats. Being connected to this network is a way to receive safety information.

Official channels to check crime statistics include the California Department of Justice (oag.ca.gov) and the official website of the Downey Police Department. You can also view recent crime reports on a map based on specific addresses at CrimeMapping.com.

You can contact the Downey Police Department's non-emergency line at (562) 861-0771 for inquiries related to local safety. The data shows that while Downey is not an extremely dangerous city within LA County, it is still a place where one should not be complacent. Basic safety habits are necessary.