Captain Dan Holguin reports 9.4% crime increase at Hawaiian Gardens City Council

During the recent City Council meeting in Hawaiian Gardens on March 26, 2025, public safety emerged as a central theme, highlighted by a detailed report from Captain Dan Holguin of the Lakewood Sheriff's Station. The meeting, which included no public comments, focused on crime statistics and community safety initiatives, reflecting the city's ongoing efforts to address rising crime rates.

Captain Holguin presented a comprehensive overview of crime trends in Hawaiian Gardens, revealing a 9.4% increase in Part 1 crimes from 2023 to 2024. Notably, the report indicated a troubling rise in violent crimes, including three gang-related homicides, a significant increase in sexual assaults, and a rise in aggravated assaults, which surged by 35.2%. The captain emphasized that many of these incidents involved multiple victims, complicating the statistics.

Robberies also saw an uptick, with a 7.2% increase attributed to both street and retail crimes. The Sheriff's Department is responding with enhanced patrols and crime prevention strategies, including a tri-city partnership with neighboring communities to combat gang-related activities and improve overall safety.

In contrast, burglaries decreased by 10.1%, suggesting some success in crime prevention efforts. However, larcenies rose by 7%, reflecting broader trends in theft that have been observed countywide. The report highlighted new legislative measures aimed at addressing repeat offenders, particularly those involved in theft and drug-related crimes.

The meeting also addressed the department's response times, which remain below average for emergency calls, indicating effective policing. The introduction of technology such as ShotSpotter and the Flock camera system has aided in quicker responses to incidents and has contributed to the recovery of stolen vehicles.

In addition to crime statistics, the Sheriff's Department is focusing on quality of life issues, including homelessness and community outreach. Efforts to engage with the homeless population and provide resources have been ongoing, with clean-up initiatives aimed at maintaining a safe environment for residents.

As Hawaiian Gardens grapples with rising crime rates, the City Council's commitment to public safety and community engagement remains evident. The next steps will involve continued collaboration with law enforcement and community members to address these challenges effectively.