Santa Clarita's Sheriff Talks Safety and Crime Trends

Captain Brandon Barclay, the top sheriff in Santa Clarita Valley, recently spoke to local business owners about crime rates and safety tips. He shared that overall crime has dropped by 19%, but violent crime has gone up by 9%. This increase is partly due to a gang in Newhall that the sheriff's department is actively targeting. Barclay emphasized the importance of being proactive in crime prevention. He advised residents on how to protect their homes and businesses from both high-tech and simple thefts. For example, he warned about thieves using drones and WiFi jammers to disable security cameras. He also mentioned "jugging, " where criminals follow people after they leave the bank, targeting those who have just made large deposits. The captain also discussed the importance of preparing for emergencies. He mentioned that deputies are working closely with schools and colleges to train for active shooter situations. He quoted Ronald Reagan, saying, "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, " to drive home the point. When asked about gun ownership, Barclay reminded everyone that it comes with great responsibility. He encouraged people to be trained and responsible with their firearms. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by deputies, who often work overtime to meet the needs of the community. Barclay highlighted the support the sheriff's department receives from the city, including plans to improve traffic enforcement and acquire advanced technology for crime scene investigations. He ended his talk with a quote from Maya Angelou, reminding everyone that actions and words should make people feel valued and respected.