Shootings in Long Beach have reached a five-year low, with police reporting a decrease from 188 incidents last year to just 133 in the first half of 2025. This decline is part of a broader trend across California cities, as Long Beach also witnesses a nearly 28% reduction in homicides, dropping from 18 to 13 in the same period.
Police Chief Wally Hebeish attributes the decline to focused initiatives aimed at limiting access to illegal firearms, reporting the seizure of 585 guns this year—a significant increase of 119 from the previous year. While crime rates improve overall, the department acknowledges a rise in aggravated assaults, emphasizing the ongoing need for targeted crime prevention strategies, particularly in areas facing increased violence.
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