In a 100-page report published last week by the LA County Sheriff’s Department, 2012 crime statistics indicate that while LA County has the lowest homicide rate since the 1960s, Malibu’s crime rate actually increased by 24 percent.
According to Malibu Patch, much of the increase was due to theft, with larceny and burglary being the most common.
Overall, the Lost Hills Sheriff’s station saw a 5 percent decrease in “Part 1 Crimes,” such as criminal homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and larceny but included increases in forcible rape, grand theft auto and arson.
Among the reported crimes was the arrest of Patrick Leach, 27, on suspicion of attempted murder. Leach allegedly shot his neighbor in the chest on Jan. 9. The victim was reported to be in stable condition by Malibu Patch.
Other related incidents include the investigations of Malibu Councilmember and Pepperdine alumnus (2004) Skylar Peak, 28, who was reported in July by Surfside News to be charged with brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner, vandalism and erratic behavior.
Peak made headlines again earlier this month when news outlets reported that he was under investigation for a hit-and-run. According to Malibu Patch, 911 received a call about unsafe driving on PCH on Christmas Day. The LA County Sheriff’s Department later found the truck and identified the driver as Peak. The investigation is expected to continue for a few more weeks.
The sheriff’s department reported no murders for the second consecutive year in Malibu.
Jerry Derloshon, director of Public Affairs, reminded the Graphic in an email that Pepperdine does not fall under Malibu city limits and that further questions should be directed to the local sheriff’s office.
“I think by now you know that Pepperdine places the safety and security of the Pepperdine community as a high priority,” Derloshon said. “And the university encourages our students to be diligent whenever they travel off campus, whether it’s just down the street into Malibu or to downtown Los Angeles.”
