The number of crime incidents in Seattle saw an overall increase last week, for the second week in a row, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents rose to 2,584 for the week of March 18, up from 2,485 the week before.
The specific offenses that increased the most were theft and vandalism. Theft rose to 367 incidents last week, from 353 the week before. Vandalism went from 60 to 74. Reports of theft have continued to grow for the last three weeks, while vandalism incidents have been increasing for the last two weeks.
While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a considerable percentage increase in assault, from 159 incidents per week to 172, and in shootings, from three to four incidents.
Among the few types of offenses that saw a downturn last week, reports of burglary went from 150 to 144, and robbery fell from 24 to 21.
There were 1,802 reports of "other" crimes, an increase of 66 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, 35 involved arrests, such as for drug possession, up from 34 reported arrests the week before.
As far as where crime is concentrated in the city, Central Business District, Northgate and Belltown had the most reported incidents last week. Central Business District and Belltown were at the top of the list the previous week as well.
Crime in Northgate went up the most; incidents in the neighborhood have been rising for two weeks in a row. Crime reports in Ballard also rose for a third week, and incidents in Greenwood are up considerably as well.
Regarding day and time factors, Fridays, Thursdays and Tuesdays saw the most crime incidents last week. The largest increase from the previous week occurred on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, while incidents on Mondays, Saturdays and Fridays went down. Comparing times of day, late night, after midnight and evening 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.
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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.
