Watsonville experienced a rise in crime in 2014. An annual city crime report showed that violent crime was up nine percent and property theft crimes went up 12 percent. This is the first year the city has seen a rise in crime in seven years. The crime numbers were pushed up by a rash of gang murders and other crimes. Officials say with the passing and implementation of the measure G half cent sales tax the police department will again be able to dedicate officers to the gang task force.
