The number of robberies reported in Stockton rose for the third straight month, police department figures show.
The number of robberies increased from 57 in August to 86 in September. Preliminary figures indicate there were 89 in October, police say. That’s an increase of 56.1% in three months.
For October alone, there was a 3.5% rise in robberies compared to September and an 8.5% increase over the same month last year.
Yet for the year so far, the number of robberies remains down 25.3%, according to police spokesperson Officer Omer Edhah. And he noted that preliminary crime stats are subject to revision — sometimes dramatically.
Those who follow Stockton’s crime reports on social media may have noticed the increased activity when it comes to holdups.
Daily reports from from the police department on social media often show multiple robberies on the same day. Five were reported last Saturday between both the day and night shifts. On Oct. 18, there were also five, and on Oct. 8, four.
Robberies came in all forms. Some robbers flashed or brandished a gun. Others assaulted their victims. Some were shoplifters who became combative.
Many robbers acted alone. Sometimes they were a pair or, in one case, there were six suspects.
With robberies on the rise, Edhah said there is no indication that the spate of robberies is due to a certain individual or a gang.
“Though some of these incidents appear similar, there is no definitive conclusion showing a connection. However, our detectives are not ruling out the possibilities and are looking into those incidents with that in mind. Most of these are still in the early investigative stages, and lots of work still needs to be done to find those responsible and bring them before justice.”
He said officers are aware that some people follow crime reports closely and that detecting a spike can be deceptive.
“Even a few incidents in a short timeframe can appear as a spike when viewed locally or on social media, but we want to reassure residents that our officers are actively investigating each case and deploying additional patrols in areas of concern,” he said.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office points to one instance in which it believes it may have prevented a robbery in Stockton.
On the night of Oct. 28, sheriff’s deputies attempted to check out two men hanging out at Sierra Nevada and Park streets, an area that has had several recent robberies. Both men ran when deputies approached. One of them dropped a gun during the foot chase and was later found to be wearing a bulletproof vest.
The pair, both with outstanding warrants for their arrest, were booked for weapons and drug charges, sheriff’s officials said. Their connection to area holdups was under investigation.
They weren’t the only possible robbery suspects arrested. Stockton Police have also had their share.
On Tuesday, a 59-year-old man chased after three robbers after he made a purchase at a store. They attacked him. Police caught up to one of the three suspects, a 14-year-old, and arrested him.
One of last Saturday’s robberies involved a 70-year-old bike rider who was confronted by a man who robbed her. He then attempted to escape by jumping into the bed of a passing pickup truck. He was arrested. Another case involved a shoplifter who assaulted a store clerk. The clerk managed to detain him until police arrived.
Edhah said, however, that in the big picture, the year is still looking favorable when it comes to crime stats.
“Violent crime, property crime and overall crime have also significantly decreased. This is a testament to our ongoing efforts to tackle crime in our city and our continued proactive measures that have also been reflected in our officer-initiated proactive enforcement,” he said.
He urged anyone with knowledge of area robberies or other crimes to call Crime Stoppers at 209-946-0600.