Crime incidents in Houston 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 1,775 for the week of Jan. 21, up from 1,733 the week before.
Theft and assault led the increase in crime reports. Theft rose to 1,148 incidents last week, from 1,097 the week before. Assault went from 171 to 199.
Vandalism went from zero incidents per week to two, and there were also 241 reported burglary incidents last week. That represents a steady state from the previous week.
Among the few types of offenses that saw a downturn last week, reports of robbery went from 154 to 139, and shootings fell from 14 to nine.
There were 37 reports of "other" crimes, a decrease of 19 from the previous week. SpotCrime's broad "other" category includes a variety of offenses like fraud, trespassing, public disturbance and traffic violations. Of those incidents, 24 involved arrests, such as for drug possession, up from 22 reported arrests the week before.
Looking at crime patterns in different areas of the city, Alief, Sharpstown, and Greater Uptown had the most reported incidents last week. Alief and Sharpstown were at the top of the list the previous week as well.
Crime in Greater Uptown went up the most. Crime reports in Washington Avenue Coalition/Memorial Park also rose, after declining the week before, and incidents in Gulfton are up considerably as well.
Regarding when crime most often occurs, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays saw the most crime incidents last week. The largest increase from the previous week occurred on Wednesdays, Tuesdays and Mondays, while incidents on Fridays, Sundays and Saturdays went down. Early afternoon, midday and late afternoon 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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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.
