Austin crime trending up: Which offenses are growing most?

Austin crime trending up: Which offenses are growing most?Photo: iStock
Hoodline
Published on May 17, 2019

The number of crime incidents in Austin saw an overall increase for the week of May 3 to May 9, for the second week in a row, according to data from CrimeoMeter, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents rose to 1,815 in the latest seven-day period of available police reports, up from 1,710 the week before.

Domestic offenses and auto theft led the increase in crime reports. Domestic offenses rose to 235 incidents, from 167 the week before. Auto theft went from 45 to 74.

While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a sizable percentage increase in offenses involving children, from 19 incidents per week to 30, and in homicide, from zero to three incidents.

There was one reported arson. That represents a steady state from the previous week. There were also 16 incidents of robbery, up from 14 the week before.

Among the few types of offenses that saw a downturn, reports of drug-related offenses went from 110 to 76. Incidents of auto burglary fell from 269 to 251, and burglary went down from 63 to 46.

There were 280 reports of miscellaneous other crimes, an increase of 23 from the previous week. Other crimes includes a variety of offenses like trespassing, public disturbance and violation of a court order. Of those incidents, 21 involved arrests, such as for drug possession, down from 24 reported arrests the week before.

Looking at crime patterns in different areas of the city, Downtown, North Austin and Windsor Park continued to have the most reported incidents.

Parker Lane experienced the highest growth in crime. Crime reports in West University also rose for a second week, and incidents in East Congress are up considerably as well.

Regarding when most crimes are committed, Monday, Saturday and Sunday had the most crime incidents. The largest increase from the previous week occurred on Sunday, Saturday and Wednesday, while incidents on Friday went down. Comparing times of day, late night, evening and late 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 CrimeoMeter 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.