Despite recent gang shootings, Fresno crime rate down from last year, police chief says

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Gang members are being stopped, frisked and often arrested as Fresno Police attempt to stop the violence.

"We are targeting gang members, arresting them in high numbers and taking guns off the streets," said Police Chief Jerry Dyer.

Dyer says despite last week's surge in gang violence crime throughout the city is down.

Violent crimes are down nearly 14 percent. There have been five homicides so far this year, but that is down nearly 38 percent.

There were 52 shootings, also down 38 percent but 32 people were wounded--269 guns have been recovered.

"A lot of guns continue to be out on the street, but what's more important, a lot of guns are removed from the streets by our officers," said Dyer.

The auto theft rate is also down, and police are looking for six of the city's most prolific car thieves.

"Eighty percent of the people we arrest in a stolen vehicle has a violent criminal history and they are utilizing that car to go out and be involved in other criminal acts like drive-by shootings and robberies," said Dyer.