Crime reports in Costa Mesa saw an overall decrease last month, for the second month in a row, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources.
Incidents fell by 4.7 percent, from 236 in November to 225 in December. Crime trends are often seasonal, and some of the most common offenses tend to decline in winter, which might partly explain the most recent downward trend.
Theft and assault reports declined the most from the previous month. Theft fell from 79 reported incidents in November to 58 in December. Assault incidents went from five to three for the month, or about a 40 percent decrease.
There were 40 burglary reports last month, and one shooting incident. Burglary incidents dropped from 42 offenses the previous month, while shooting reports stayed even.
Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick, robbery reports went from one to three. Arson incidents rose from one to two.
Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays saw the most crime incidents last month. The largest decrease from the previous month occurred on Thursdays, Fridays and Wednesdays, while incidents on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays went up. Midday, after midnight and late morning saw the most crime 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.
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.
