Boston week in crime: Assault rises, shooting drops

Boston week in crime: Assault rises, shooting dropsPhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on January 10, 2019

Crime incidents in Boston saw an overall increase last week, after a previous decline, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents rose to 780 for the week of December 31, up from 691 the week before.

Assault and burglary led the increase in crime reports. Assault rose to 190 incidents last week, from 161 the week before. Burglary went from 33 to 42.

While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a notable percentage increase in robbery, from 14 incidents per week to 20, and in vandalism, from 72 to 79 incidents.

There was one reported arson last week. That represents a steady state from the previous week. There were also 178 incidents of theft, up from 170 the week before.

Among the few types of offenses that saw a downturn last week, shootings went from nine to four.

There were 198 reports of "other" crimes, an increase of 29 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 68 arrests were made last week, up from 62 arrests the week before.

Looking at crime patterns in different areas of the city, South Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan continued to have the most reported incidents last week.

South Dorchester experienced the highest growth in crime; incidents in the neighborhood have been rising for two weeks in a row. Crime reports in Roxbury also rose, after declining the week before, and incidents in North Dorchester are up considerably as well.

Regarding day and time factors, Tuesdays, Fridays and Wednesdays witnessed the most crime incidents last week. The largest increase from the previous week occurred on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while incidents on Sundays went down. Late afternoon, evening 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.

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.