Crimetracker Maps Sex Crimes in Pacific Beach
February 22, 2007 No Comments2/22/07 News 8
Just last week we heard about a sexual prowler in Pacific Beach who’s been entering homes and assaulting women. The News 8 Crimetracker found out that sexual assaults are on the rise in P.B., and we wanted to know what’s being done about it.
Jonathan West calls himself a Pacific Beach crimefighter. He runs a website devoted to reducing crime in this beach community, where he’s lived for more than 30 years.
“We’re trying to change the image, and we’re trying to make it friendly for families and for people who have to live and work here,” he said.
So when news broke last week about a sexual prowler roaming the streets of Pacific Beach, peeping in windows and assaulting women, Jonathan wanted to talk to the News 8 CrimeFighters.
“We have already enough rapes, sexual assaults, other assaults, and we don’t need this,” Jonathan said.
Crime statistics show Pacific Beach has more rapes and violent crimes than any other community in San Diego. Just last year, PB saw a 23 percent increase in sexual assaults.
The News 8 Crimetracker mapped rapes and sex crimes over the past six months in Pacific Beach. Most of the 31 sex crimes in PB were clustered along Grand Avenue, and west of Ingraham Street — the same area where the Pacific Beach peeper is targeting.
Police say Pacific Beach has more crime because thousands of outsiders visit the beach on a daily basis. We asked why sex crimes are on the rise in PB. The answer we received was unusually blunt.
“We’ve seen an increase in rape as result of females being under the influence of alcohol,” SDPD Northern Division Capt. Boyd Long said.
Long says he’s not blaming the victims. He’s blaming irresponsible drinking.
“Now by no means do I think it’s just the females’ fault,” Long said. “We need to educate the male population that just because a female’s under the influence of alcohol doesn’t give the male ability to take advantage of the situation.”
Starting this month, officers will begin hosting community education meetings in Pacific Beach aimed at reducing alcohol-related sex crimes. In the meantime, PB crimefighter Jonathan West is offering self-defense classes and pepper spray pens on his website.
“That actually will do a really good job of stopping a perpetrator,” he said.
Police are also reminding residents to keep doors and windows locked, and don’t walk alone at night if you’re visiting Pacific Beach.
