Austin crime on the decline in November; theft drops, criminal mischief rises

Austin crime on the decline in November; theft drops, criminal mischief risesPhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on December 11, 2018

Crime incidents in Austin saw an overall decrease last month, after a previous rise, according to data from CityCop, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents fell by about 6.4 percent, from 9,005 in October to 8,431 in November.

This month’s decrease in crime incidents puts the monthly total at about even with the same month a year ago. Crime trends often contain recurring patterns, based on seasons and other local events, making it useful to look at the year-over-year comparison as well.

Most types of crimes decreased this month, led by theft. Theft fell from 1,502 reported incidents in October to 1,200 in November, and has fallen by two incidents since November of last year.

There were 56 reported rape or sexual assaults last month, and 352 incidents of fraud or financial crime. Rape or sexual assault dropped from 78 offenses the previous month, while incidents of fraud or financial crime decreased by 63 incidents.

Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last month, reports of criminal mischief went from 346 to 390. Offenses involving children rose from 71 to 102, and domestic offenses went up from 1,033 to 1,054. All three have seen an overall downward trend since the same time last year.

Considering the concentration of crime across the city, downtown Austin, North Austin, and Riverside had the most reported incidents last month. Barton Hills, downtown Austin and Zilker saw the largest drop in crime since the month before. Over the past year, crime has gone up the most in Windsor Park, and declined the most in Montopolis.

Fridays, Thursdays, and Saturdays saw the most crime incidents last month. The largest decrease from the previous month occurred on Tuesdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. Evening, after midnight, and midday saw the most crime last month on average each day.


To report a crime in progress or life-threatening emergency, call 911. To report a non-urgent crime or complaint, contact your local police department.

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