Crime incidents in Costa Mesa saw an overall decrease last month, after a previous rise, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources.
Incidents fell by 9.3 percent, from 236 in December to 214 in January. 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.
Burglary and robbery incidents declined the most from the previous month. Burglary fell from 42 reported incidents in December to 25 in January. Robbery incidents went from three to one for the month, or about a 66 percent decrease.
There was one reported arson last month, and 13 vandalism incidents. Arson incidents dropped from two offenses the previous month, while vandalism reports decreased by one incident.
Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last month, theft reports went from 61 to 71. Assault incidents rose from three to four.
Saturdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays experienced the most reported crimes last month. The largest decrease from the previous month occurred on Sundays, Mondays and Saturdays, while incidents on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Tuesdays went up. after midnight, early morning and late morning saw the most crime last month 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.
