Temecula, Murrieta ranked among America’s 13 safest cities

Bad guys, beware. Temecula is ranked second among the 13 safest cities in America and Murrieta followed closely behind as number four, according to a survey released by BusinessInsider.com.

Temecula had only 72 violent crimes per 100,000 people, the site reported.  Murrieta had only 95 violent crimes per 100,000 people.

Temecula is ranked second among the 13 safest cities in America and Murrieta followed closely behind as number four, according to a survey released by BusinessInsider.com. (Credit: Mogrith/Flickr)

The news was welcomed by both Temecula and Murrieta law enforcement officials who were quick to share praise for the ranking.

“This is a very nice thing to see,”  said Temecula Police Chief Andre O’Harra, “but I can say that, from the law enforcement perspective, the men and women in our department work hard every day. But, also public officials and the city of Temecula get credit for making safety among its top priorities.”

O’Harra said that citizens should share in the praise, too, for their vigilance and willingness to be watchful.

“Temecula has been very good about keeping their safety number one,” O’Harra said, noting the time intensive work that goes into such a commitment.

Studying crime trends and statistics and the use of technology and public education are some of the ways that law enforcement officials have been able to maintain such low crime statistics, O’Harra said.

“A big part of this is that this is something that doesn’t happen overnight. This is a years-long effort,” O’Harra said.

Temecula Mayor Ron Roberts echoed O’Harra’s sentiments.

“We invest a lot in our police department and they work hard,” Roberts said.  “Temecula is a great place to be and (residents) are always good about watching out for their communities and calling in to report (incidents).”

Murrieta Police officials said their officers are invested in the community.

“Quality police work is such a high priority in Murrieta and really is built into the culture here,” said Lt. Tony Conrad.  “Even in these tough economic times I see our officers working harder than they ever have keeping Murrieta safe. “

Murrieta consistently enjoys an extremely high rates of solved crimes.

“Favorable statistics and excellent clearance rates really are the end result of the work the men and women of this department do every day,” Conrad said. “I really am proud of this agency and the partnership we have with this community.”

To see a complete listing of America’s safest cities, visit BusinessInsider.com.

Kerri S. Mabee can be reached at kerri.mabee@swrnn.com. Follow me on Twitter @kerrimabee.