| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bell Gardens/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 562 | n/a (estimate) | 1,490 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 13.3 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 18.6 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 43 | n/a | 114.0 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 91 | n/a | 241.3 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 146 | n/a (estimate) | 387 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 62 | n/a | 164.4 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 179 | n/a | 474.5 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 175 | n/a | 463.9 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 416 | n/a (estimate) | 1,103 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Bell Gardens crime rate is lower than the national average by 35.9%. Specifically, there were 146 violent crimes in Bell Gardens, equivalent to 387 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 4.7%. Furthermore, Bell Gardens recorded 416 property crimes, amounting to 1103 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 43.6%.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Bell Gardens is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Bell Gardens reported 387 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 370.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Bell Gardens stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Bell Gardens, there were a total of 5 murders, translating to 13 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
With a total of 175 vehicle thefts last year, Bell Gardens has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 464 per 100,000 people. This lands Bell Gardens in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 216.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Bell Gardens residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 13 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 31% of Bell Gardens residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 69% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Bell Gardens a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Bell Gardens has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 36%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.54 daily incidents, encompassing 0.4 violent crimes and 1.14 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Bell Gardens as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Bell Gardens. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Bell Gardens has decreased by 26.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 2.7%, while property crime has decreased by 32.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Bell Gardens.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Bell Gardens crime rates. The population density in Bell Gardens is 16986.8 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Bell Gardens, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.52, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Bell Gardens, the average monthly rent stands at $1,296, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Bell Gardens | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 65 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.5 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| San Pasqual, CA | 2,038 | 78 | 368 | 446 |
| Rolling Hills, CA | 1,439 | 0 | 480 | 480 |
| Rose Hills, CA | 2,619 | 113 | 527 | 640 |
| Ladera Heights, CA | 6,419 | 163 | 762 | 925 |
| Sierra Madre, CA | 10,829 | 93 | 909 | 1,002 |
| East Pasadena, CA | 6,025 | 179 | 838 | 1,017 |
| Bradbury, CA | 825 | 0 | 1,025 | 1,025 |
| Bell Gardens, CA | 41,770 | 387 | 1,103 | 1,490 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Spring Hill, TN | 41,797 | 105 | 818 | 923 |
| Delaware, OH | 41,818 | 141 | 935 | 1,076 |
| Apache Junction, AZ | 41,863 | 328 | 1,912 | 2,241 |
| Puyallup, WA | 41,666 | 380 | 7,269 | 7,649 |
| Huntsville, TX | 41,664 | 475 | 1,823 | 2,298 |
| Bell Gardens, CA | 41,770 | 387 | 1,103 | 1,490 |
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