Santa Clarita's Sheriff Talks Safety and Crime Trends
Crime Rates and Gang Activity
Captain Brandon Barclay, the top sheriff in Santa Clarita Valley, recently engaged with local business owners to discuss crime rates and safety measures.
- Overall Crime: Dropped by 19%
- Violent Crime: Increased by 9%
The rise in violent crime is attributed to a gang in Newhall, which the sheriff's department is actively targeting.
Proactive Crime Prevention
Barclay emphasized the importance of being proactive in crime prevention. He provided residents with tips to protect their homes and businesses from both high-tech and simple thefts.
Key Safety Tips:
- Drones and WiFi Jammers: Thieves use these to disable security cameras.
- Jugging: Criminals follow people after they leave the bank, targeting those who have just made large deposits.
Emergency Preparedness
The captain discussed the importance of preparing for emergencies. Deputies are working closely with schools and colleges to train for active shooter situations.
"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." - Ronald Reagan
Gun Ownership Responsibility
When asked about gun ownership, Barclay reminded everyone that it comes with great responsibility. He encouraged people to be trained and responsible with their firearms.
Support from the City
Barclay highlighted the support the sheriff's department receives from the city, including plans to:
- Improve traffic enforcement
- Acquire advanced technology for crime scene investigations
He ended his talk with a quote from Maya Angelou:
"Actions and words should make people feel valued and respected."
