The number of crime incidents in Philadelphia saw an overall decrease last week, for the second week in a row, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents fell to 2,794 for the week of Feb. 18, down from 2,929 the week before.
The specific offenses that decreased the most were assault and theft. Assault fell to 583 incidents last week, from 684 the week before. Theft went from 1,036 to 1,007.
There were seven reported arson incidents last week. That represents a decrease from 11 incidents the previous week.
Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last week, reports of vandalism went from 237 to 256. Incidents of burglary rose from 108 to 126, and robbery went up from 108 to 115.
There were 688 reports of "other" crimes, a decrease of 51 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, 300 involved arrests, such as for drug possession, down from 321 reported arrests the week before.
Looking at crime patterns in different areas of the city, Upper Kensington, Cobbs Creek and Richmond had the most reported incidents last week. Cobbs Creek and Richmond were at the top of the list the previous week as well.
Paschall experienced the largest drop in crime. Crime reports in Washington Square also fell, after increasing the week before, and incidents in Oxford Circle are down considerably as well.
Regarding when crime most often occurs, Tuesdays, Fridays and Thursdays witnessed the most reported crimes last week. The largest decrease from the previous week occurred on Wednesdays, Sundays and Saturdays, while incidents on Tuesdays, Mondays and Thursdays went up. Comparing times of day, late morning, midday and early afternoon continue to see the most crime incidents.
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.
