New Orleans crime rising: Which offenses are leading the trend?

New Orleans crime rising: Which offenses are leading the trend?Photo: iStock
Hoodline
Published on April 18, 2019

The number of crime incidents in New Orleans saw an overall increase last week, after a previous decline, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents rose to 4,281 for the week of April 8, up from 4,108 the week before.

The specific offenses that increased the most were theft and assault. Theft rose to 481 incidents last week, from 428 the week before. Assault went from 333 to 368. Reports of assault have continued to grow for the last two weeks.

While a somewhat smaller category, there was also a notable percentage increase in shootings, from 64 incidents per week to 76.

There were 26 reported robbery incidents last week. That represents a steady state from the previous week.

Among the few types of offenses that saw a downturn last week, reports of burglary went from 290 to 218, and vandalism fell from 114 to 107.

There were 3,005 reports of "other" crimes, an increase of 152 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, 82 involved arrests, such as for drug possession, down from 109 reported arrests the week before.

Looking at crime patterns in different areas of the city, the French Quarter, Central Business District and Little Woods continued to have the most reported incidents last week.

Central Business District experienced the highest growth in crime. Crime reports in St. Roch also rose, after declining the week before, and incidents in Treme' Lafitte are up considerably as well.

Regarding day and time factors, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Fridays witnessed the most reported crimes last week. The largest increase from the previous week occurred on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, while incidents on Saturdays and Sundays went down. Comparing times of day, late afternoon, evening and midday 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.