South El Monte sees year-over-year drop in Part 1 crimes, sheriff’s deputy says

Deputy Ayers presented June crime data to the South El Monte City Council, reporting an overall one‑year decrease of about 7% in Part 1 crimes and larger declines in specific categories. The department recorded a 25% decrease in burglaries, a 14% decrease in thefts and a 23% decrease in grand‑theft auto, Ayers said. He told the council the city recorded 309 Part 1 incidents so far in 2025 and 402 arrests year‑to‑date.

The deputy described several recent arrests linked to organized property crime. In one case, a traffic stop near Garvey and Potrero led to the arrest of a person found with burglary tools. In another incident, deputies stopped a vehicle containing about 40 handbags and suitcases, and detectives later tied credit‑card use to a Rosemead store; two people were arrested for receiving stolen property and identity theft, Ayers said.

Ayers said statistics for sexual‑assault reports were skewed by a January case in which one suspect was later tied to multiple victims, so each victim was counted separately in the crime totals. He also said the department deployed personnel to assist with civil‑unrest responses in downtown Los Angeles earlier in the month.

Council members praised deputies’ work and emphasized vigilance through the summer months. Councilmember Goza asked a clarification about an acronym used during the presentation; Ayers confirmed the stops were for California Vehicle Code (CVC) violations. Several council members and the deputy highlighted the department’s role assisting with July 4 fireworks suppression and said fireworks activity appeared lower this year than last.

The deputy said two enforcement operations — probation compliance checks and burglary suppression — were planned for later in the month. He closed by offering to answer council questions.

The council did not take formal action on the report; the presentation was accepted and discussed.