Many are aware that in August, the Sacramento Police Department and other areas in the region experienced an increase in armed robberies.  These robberies started about four months ago and targeted members of the Asian American community. (See previous press release)

http://www.sacpd.org/newsroom/releases/liveview.aspx?release_id=20160906-111

As an on-going effort to keep our community informed, the department is providing an update to the progress that has been made in this trend.  As of today, approximately 20 people have been arrested for robberies in these areas.  These suspects do not appear to be connected to each other but they have resorted to the same tactics in victimizing citizens of our community. 

Over the past month, the department has held seven community outreach meetings where detectives addressed the current trend, provided crime safety tips and kept citizens apprised of the progress being made by investigators.  Two additional community meetings will be held to provide continual updates and encourage community involvement.    

With the immense amount of outreach and the concentrated enforcement efforts of the department, there was a 43% decrease in robberies in the affected areas last month.  Since this dramatic down-tick, investigators have been able to link suspects that are currently in custody to several unsolved robbery cases. 

In the meantime, increased patrols and targeted enforcement of key locations will continue by several of the department’s specialized units.   We will continue to work in partnership with our law enforcement partners, neighborhood advocates, associations and leaders to encourage citizens to come forward if they have become a victim. 

Today, crime prevention pamphlets in a variety of different dialects were distributed to local area grocery stores in an effort to educate and encourage people to report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to their local law enforcement agency. 

The Sacramento Police Department encourages witnesses of crimes to contact the dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or submit an anonymous tip using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app.  Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.