California crime waves, real and imaginary

It’s been a season of crime in California. Smash-and-grab thefts, follow-home robberies, high-profile murders — national, even international news accounts have painted a Golden State of chaos.

The numbers tell a different story: Some major crime indicators are up, but others are down, and they’re nowhere near historical highs. But that reality isn’t placating anyone. And when Californians get mad about crime — watch out, America.

Today, L.A. Times columnist Erika D. Smith discusses California’s legacy of crackdowns. And business reporter Sam Dean discusses how some stores may be taking advantage of public fear.

More reading:

Column: Don’t let Jacqueline Avant’s shooting get pulled into L.A.'s crass politics of crime

San Francisco confronts a crime wave unusual among U.S. cities

Retailers say thefts are at crisis level. The numbers say otherwise