Crime rate down in Hollister, but DUI arrests up.

Not only is crime down from year to year in Hollister, but Police Chief Dave Westrick said stats show the overall crime rates have dropped by 24 percent in the last five years.
It’s also part of the reason he just asked taxpayers to approve another officer position.

“A five year trend doesn’t make the job complete. our mission is to continue on twenty four seven in making sure that our community is safe,” said Westrick.

Hollister resident, Dorothy Reyes agrees.

“I’m fine with it. Theres a lot of cities that don’t have a lot of police patrol so the more the merrier.”

Stats show a 37 percent drop in robberies — especially good to hear as Reyes said she was becoming afraid to use the ATM.

“I do look over my shoulder because you know im just leery about life in general. You know people out there but its good to know that things will be safer,” said Reyes.

There is one big increase –DUI arrests –which are up 94 percent.

Hollister pd said DUI arrests are up while DUI accidents are down.
That’s because police are doing more training to spot DUI drivers on the road.

“Part of the credit should really be given to, in fact most of the credit should be given to our officers out there working, listening to the community, and doing their job,” said Westrick.

He said the department is working to prevent crime one officer at a time.