The number of crime incidents in Pittsburgh 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 689 for the week of February 4, down from 706 the week before.
The specific offenses that decreased the most were assault and vandalism. Assault fell to 120 incidents last week, from 139 the week before. Vandalism went from 41 to 23.
There were 18 reported burglary incidents last week. That represents a decrease from 20 incidents the previous week. There were also 11 incidents of robbery, down from 13 the week before.
Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last week, reports of arson went from zero to one, and shootings rose from four to five.
There were 400 reports of "other" crimes, an increase of 29 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, 314 involved arrests, such as for drug possession, up from 267 reported arrests the week before.
As far as where crime is concentrated in the city, Central Business District, Southside Flats and Mount Washington had the most reported incidents last week. Central Business District and Southside Flats were at the top of the list the previous week as well.
Perry South saw the largest decline. Crime reports in Overbrook also fell, after increasing the week before, and incidents in Shadyside are down considerably as well.
Regarding when crime most often occurs, Tuesdays, Fridays and Thursdays saw the most reported crimes last week. The largest decrease from the previous week occurred on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays, while incidents on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays went up. Comparing times of day, late afternoon, midday and after midnight 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.
