Lakewood Saw Small Increase in Crime Last Year: LPD Report

LAKEWOOD, WA — Lakewood saw a small increase in crime in 2021, but the overall crime rate remains relatively low, according to a new report from the Lakewood Police Department.

LPD's 2021 annual report found that total crime increased about 2.93 percent last year compared the year prior. Property crimes like theft and vandalism increased the most, up about 7.54 percent, but personal crimes, including murder and assault, also rose about 5.92 percent. Though that may be alarming, police stress that Lakewood's overall crime rate is far below that of the 2000s and before.

In his report summary, Lakewood Police Chief Mike Zaro claims that recent police reform legislation made the year more challenging for officers, and thanked them for their ongoing work.

"I can say with confidence that the Lakewood Police Department worked diligently to implement the mandated changes, but that wasn’t without consequences," Zaro wrote. "I am also optimistic that our Legislature this year will amend some of the laws that restricted our officers’ ability to protect our community. Between those changes, the new officers coming on board, and the apparent decline of COVID-19, I fully expect we will see improvements in public safety and our service to the community."

Following backlash from the police community, many of the reforms and restrictions have since been rolled back.

According to the chief's summary, in 2021, the Lakewood Police Department:

• Collected 4,057 pieces of evidence.
• Took 14,532 phone calls from citizens.
• Helped 185 people find new behavioral health resources
• Spent 131 hours patrolling the water.
• Impounded 80 animals.

>> Read the full 2021 annual report from Lakewood Police.