ENCINITAS — The city saw decreases in crime in 2026, according to the quarterly sheriff’s update presented at the June 24 City Council meeting.
The presentation, which used data collected from January through May 2026, showed a 2% decrease in crimes against persons in Encinitas, a 16% decrease in crimes against property and a 36% decrease in crimes against society.
“We are definitely setting the bar for the entire sheriff’s office,” Capt. Shane Watts said while presenting the data.
Watts said the number of property crimes in 2025, including vehicle theft, burglary and larceny theft, was the lowest in a decade. While 2025 also recorded decreases in crime, Encinitas is “continuing to move in the right direction” in 2026, he said.
The report also found that deputy-initiated activity — including proactive measures such as traffic stops, extra patrols and illegal parking citations — increased compared with last year’s report. From January through May 2026, deputies conducted 18,808 stops.
DUI arrests increased by 46%, while traffic collisions decreased 13% from 2025. Watts attributed the increase in DUI arrests to the addition of two new deputies.
NTA citations and parking citations also increased, with NTA citations rising 41% from 2025.
Watts said the sheriff’s office aims to prioritize community education to prevent citations by partnering with community organizations and offering training, including the “Know Your Limits” presentation in March and an upcoming e-bike safety presentation tentatively scheduled for August.
The report also presented data on bicycle safety. It found that most riders involved in bicycle or e-bike collisions since 2022 were between the ages of 13 and 15, with collisions occurring throughout the day. Watts said the department plans to expand e-bike education, particularly for younger riders.
“90% of our kids out there are wearing their helmets, they’re riding appropriately,” Watts said. “It’s that 10% that are doing wheelies down the middle of our streets, they have several people on their bike, they’re riding in our parks and they just really have no regard for anyone on our roadways.”
Looking ahead to 2026-27, Watts said the department plans to focus on roadway safety, expanded e-bike education and enforcement, outreach to the unhoused community, and community engagement.
