Palo Alto weekly crime report: Theft drops, robbery rises in overall decrease

Palo Alto weekly crime report: Theft drops, robbery rises in overall decreasePhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on January 24, 2019

Crime incidents in Palo Alto 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 97 for the week of January 14, down from 150 the week before.

The overall decrease in crime incidents was led by theft and burglary. Theft fell to 17 incidents last week, from 30 the week before. Burglary went from 53 to 46.

There were two reported assault incidents last week. That represents a decrease from seven incidents the previous week. There were also three incidents of vandalism, down from five the week before.

Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last week, reports of robbery went from zero to one.

There were 28 reports of "other" crimes, a decrease of 27 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, 13 involved arrests, such as for drug possession, down from 30 reported arrests the week before.

Considering the concentration of crime across the city, Downtown North, University South, and Evergreen Park had the most reported incidents last week. Downtown North and University South were at the top of the list the previous week as well.

University South saw the largest decline. Crime reports in Ventura also fell, after increasing the week before, and incidents in Barron Park/Green Acres are down considerably as well.

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