Crime incidents in Boston saw an overall decrease last week, after a previous rise, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents fell to 827 for the week of Jan. 7, down from 884 the week before.
The offenses that decreased the most were assault and burglary. Assault fell to 179 incidents last week, from 215 the week before. Burglary went from 50 to 27.
There was one reported arson last week. That represents a steady state from the previous week. There were also four shooting incidents.
Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last week, reports of robbery went from 22 to 31, and theft rose from 213 to 218.
There were 191 reports of "other" crimes, a decrease of 22 from the previous week. SpotCrime's broad "other" category includes a variety of offenses like fraud, trespassing, public disturbance and traffic violations. SpotCrime data also indicates that 101 arrests were made last week, up from 81 arrests the week before.
Considering the concentration of crime across the city, South Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan continued to have the most reported incidents last week.
Crime in South Dorchester decreased the most. Crime reports in Back Bay also fell, after increasing the week before, and incidents in Downtown are down considerably as well.
Regarding when crime most often occurs, Wednesdays, Fridays and Tuesdays produced the most reported crimes last week. The largest decrease from the previous week occurred on Saturdays, Sundays and Fridays, while incidents on Wednesdays and Thursdays went up. Late afternoon, early afternoon and evening continue to see the most crime incidents.
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.
Head to SpotCrime to get free local crime alerts in your area.
This story was created automatically using local crime data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about our data sources and local crime methodology. Got thoughts about what we're doing? Go here to share your feedback.
