SafeWise crime data analysts have named Moorpark as California’s third-safest city for the second year in a row.
SafeWise, an online resource offering safety solutions, information and recommendations for homes and communities, ranked Moorpark in its annual “California’s 50 Safest Cities” list based on an analysis of both violent crimes and property crimes in 2021.
Moorpark had 0.7 violent crimes and 6.2 property crimes per 1,000 people in this year’s report. Last year, Moorpark was reported to have 0.9 violent crimes and 7.0 property crimes per 1,000 people.
“All 50 safest cities in California have violent crime rates below the state, regional and national averages,” according to SafeWise. “38 of the 50 cities saw less than 100 violent crimes in the last year and 17 kept violent crime rates under 1 per 1,000 people.”
Moorpark’s statistics have consistently improved since 2019, when there were found to have been 1.3 violent crimes and 9.0 property crimes per 1,000 people.
Mayor Janice Parvin highlighted the work of the Moorpark Police Department, which she believes contributed to the city’s high ranking.
“This study highlights the hard work that the men and women of the Moorpark Police Department do day in and day out,” said Parvin in a media release regarding the recent findings. “Their combination of building resident support, business education and outreach and just good old-fashioned police work are all critical components to keeping Moorpark safe.”
The Moorpark Police Department has been heavily focusing on proactive police work, community outreach, crime prevention and victim engagement, according to the media release. Specifically, the department has attempted to raise morale over the course of the pandemic by leading holiday-themed reverse parades and has started new programs, such as the catalytic converter anti-theft program, to discourage property crime.
Moorpark Police Chief Victor Fazio detailed how these initiatives have benefited Moorpark.
“I am extremely proud to be a part of this community,” said Fazio in the media release. “The partnerships we share as a law enforcement organization with the residents, visitors and business owners of this great city is what led to another year of historic low crime rates. Through our collective and collaborative efforts in providing service to Moorpark, our officers embody our motto that one crime or one victim is one too many.”
Moorpark’s neighboring cities Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and Camarillo also made the list, with Thousand Oaks ranked at number 11, Simi Valley at number 13 and Camarillo at number 15.
