Westside Crime Stats: 3 Homicides In 2023 In LAPD's West LA Area

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — There were three homicides last year in the LAPD's West Los Angeles area — the fewest of any area in the city, according to a report released Wednesday by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The LAPD logged a total of 327 homicides in 2023 citywide, down 17 percent from the year before. Three were in the department's West LA area, which includes Pacific Palisades, Bel Air, Benedict Canyon, Beverly Crest, Brentwood, Century City, Cheviot Hills, West LA and Westwood.

Of the homicides in the area, all three were gang related.

There were two homicides in the area in 2022 and one in 2021, according to the LAPD.

Across the city, 2023 marked the first time in nine years that LA saw more traffic-related deaths than homicides. There were 336 fatal crashes last year, according to the report.

"As we confront 2024 head-on, we saw in 2023 a significant increase in traffic fatalities, fatal hit and runs, as well as fatal pedestrian and bicycle collisions," Chief Michel Moore said.

The LAPD will add uniform and traffic officers to increase enforcement of speed violations in the most impacted communities. Most traffic-related deaths were a result of impaired driving, Moore said.

Felony hit-and-run traffic crashes resulting in fatalities rose by 23 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, and DUI-related crashes rose by 32 percent.

Violent crime across the city dropped 3.2 percent last year compared to the year before, while the most serious crimes (Part 1 crimes) rose 1.9 percent, according to the report.

Property crimes increased 3.5 percent last year, including a 2 percent increase in vehicle thefts. Among vehicle thefts, 17 percent were Kias and 17 percent were Hyundais, according to the report.

Thefts increased 16 percent across the city, which included 137 flash-mob style robberies. The LAPD says the implementation of the Organized Retail Theft Task Force in August contributed to a reduction of flash robberies by one third.

The report is available on the LAPD's website.