An increased police presence in Compton has led to a drop in violent crime: there were 29 homicides this year, compared to 65 in 2005. (Not to say Compton is Mayberry: deputies were called 55,000 times last year, and there are robberies and car thefts "almost daily," reports the LA Times.) But police say searching gang members' homes and cars for weapons--and also just putting gang members in jail--is helping with the violence, as is adding more youth services, like centers where kids can do homework, for instance. In addition, Home Depot, Target, Best Buy, and Starbucks have all opened in the area; all are "businesses that could generate additional tax revenue for crime-fighting," notes the paper.
· Compton's homicide rate is dropping [LA Times]
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