Crime statistics for 2024 are posted on the City of Visalia website this week. There is some good news to share that the number of murders fell to 5 in 2024, down from 11 in 2023 and 9 in 2022.
For the remainder of the crime categories 2024 saw mixed results with some categories up and others down.
Rapes fell from 67 in 2023 to 66; robberies climbed to 155 vs 129 in 2023 and 131 in 2022.
Assaults fell slightly with assault using a firearm numbering 40 in 2024 vs 36 in 2023.
Burgauries numbered 401 vs 400 the year before. Larceny cases were flat.
Meanwhile motor thefts numbered 535 in 2024 vs 660 in 2023 and 609 in 2022.
Visalia will install license plate readers at intersections
The Visalia Police Department plans to install nine automatic license plate reading cameras installed at key intersections around the town,according to a public notice.
The purpose of the installation is to provide law enforcement with the ability to respond to detect license plates associated with criminal activity and to assist law enforcement with intercepting these vehicles. The beneficiaries of the project are both law enforcement and the public at large as this installation will serve public safety interests and help make Tulare County a safer community.