Crime decreased by 11% in the City of Carlsbad in 2024, compared to a 5% drop countywide, according to new data from the San Diego Association of Governments.
Here’s how it breaks down, comparing calendar year 2023 to 2024:
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Crimes against society, which include drug, narcotics and weapons violations, decreased by 19%, or 154 instances.
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Crimes against property, which include robbery, motor vehicle theft and other stolen property offenses, decreased by 8%, or 280 instances.
Protecting quality of life and safety is a key goal of the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan, and the Police Department maintains a multifaceted approach to address issues in the community.
Earlier this year, the City Council approved adding six police positions to improve response times, enhance digital forensics services, aid with overall safety and preparedness for our special events, and assist in resolving internet crimes against children.
Here are some recent examples of solid Police work protecting the community:
Two elder fraud suspects arrested
Recently, the Carlsbad Police Department worked with the FBI and San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to arrest two suspects in separate but similar elder fraud cases involving the theft of more than $140,000 in cash and gold bullion.
The first involved an elaborate scam that used internet pop-up ads to convince seniors that their identity had been compromised and that they needed to pay to protect their assets. A Carlsbad victim lost more than $100,000 by the time she alerted her grandson, who informed Carlsbad Police. When the suspect arrived at the victim’s home for the next preplanned pickup, Carlsbad Police Detectives were waiting and made the arrest.
The second was a phone scam from a man identifying himself as a Federal Trade Commission investigator, telling the victim her identity had been stolen and that she had to provide $10,000 in cash to assist with the investigation and secure an “American Depository Receipt.” The victim believed the story to be legitimate and handed the cash to the individually posing as an FTC courier at her home.
The next week, while detectives were conducting a follow-up interview, the scammer called again requesting an additional $10,000. Under police guidance, the victim pretended to comply, handing the suspect an envelope filled with fake $100 bills. Officers followed the suspect and detained him on the I-5 freeway, recovering the envelope from his vehicle.
Carlsbad Police uncover narcotics operation
Carlsbad’s Vice/Narcotics Intelligence Unit recently investigated drug sales case in the city and in the process uncovered a much broader narcotics operation. The case led to the arrest of several individuals involved in large-scale drug distribution across San Diego County. During the first of two seizures, the unit recovered:
•1,077 grams of MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy or Molly)
•458 grams of “Tuci” (a pink cocaine/MDMA mix)
•1,914 Adderall pills
•1,217 Ecstasy pills
•360 grams of psilocybin (hallucinogenic mushrooms)
•368 grams of cocaine
•244 grams of ketamine
•243 tabs of LSD
•$10,879 in U.S. currency
•A red Corvette seized as evidence
Our Vice/Narcotics Intelligence Unit detectives lead complex investigations into drug trafficking, vice-related crimes and criminal operations that often extend far beyond Carlsbad city limits.
While much of their work takes place behind the scenes and cannot be shared publicly during active investigations, the team works tirelessly every day to remove dangerous drugs and criminals from our community. Their efforts demonstrate exceptional skill and a deep commitment to public safety.
As always, if you see something, say something. In an emergency, always call 911. Or, call our 24-hour non-emergency line at 442-339-2197.
