Rancho Mirage officials are crediting a major reduction in property crime to a focused investment in public safety. According to Councilman Steve Downs, the city’s property crime rate is down 39% from the first quarter of last year—a turnaround from several years ago when rates were slightly above the Coachella Valley average.
Downs explained that the city’s higher median income, elevated property values, and abundance of second homes once made it a “target-rich environment” for burglars. In response, Rancho Mirage increased the number of deputies to more than two per 1,000 residents—well above Riverside County’s average of 1.15 per 1,000.
The city also equipped officers with automated license plate readers (ALPRs), which identify vehicles linked to crimes. Since more than half of property crimes involve vehicles, these devices have been a powerful tool in identifying and catching suspects quickly.
The results, Downs says, speak for themselves. Arrest rates are up, crime is down, and residents report feeling safer. Community members like Jill Marie Plaza and Sue Abramowitz praised the approach, noting that a visible police presence combined with modern technology sends a strong message to criminals while giving residents peace of mind.
While privacy debates over surveillance tools continue elsewhere, Rancho Mirage’s experience shows how targeted investments in law enforcement can yield tangible safety benefits for a community.
By: NBC Palm Springs
August 14, 2025
