Austin week in crime: Theft drops, auto burglary rises

Austin week in crime: Theft drops, auto burglary risesPhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on December 11, 2018

Crime incidents in Austin saw an overall decrease last week, after a previous rise, according to data from CityCop, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents fell to 1,814 for the week of December 1, down from 2,004 the week before.

Theft and assault led the decrease in crime incidents. Theft fell to 229 incidents last week, from 292 the week before. Assault reports went from 213 to 181.

There were three reported arson incidents last week. That represents a steady state from the previous week. There were also 74 burglary incidents, down from 78 the week before.

Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last week, reports of auto burglary went from 229 to 251. Robbery incidents rose from 21 to 29, and suspicious person reports went up from 16 to 20.

There were 301 reports of "other" crimes, such as trespassing and public disturbances. CityCop data also indicates that 26 arrests were made last week, down from 32 arrests the week before.

Looking at crime patterns in different areas of the city, downtown Austin, North Austin, and Riverside continued to have the most reported incidents last week.

Windsor Park experienced the largest drop in crime; incidents in the neighborhood have been falling for two weeks in a row. Crime reports in MLK also fell, after increasing the week before, and incidents in North Burnett are down considerably as well.

Regarding when crime most often occurs, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays witnessed the most crime incidents last week. The largest decrease from the previous week occurred on Fridays, Thursdays, and Wednesdays, while incidents on Sundays, Saturdays and Tuesdays went up. Evening, late night, and after midnight saw the most crime last week.


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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