The number of crime incidents in Raleigh saw an overall bump last month, for the second month in a row, according to data from CrimeoMeter, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources.
Incidents rose by 6.4 percent, from 972 in March to 1,034 in April. Last month's increase is consistent with a longer-term upward trend; crime in the city is about 3.2 percent above April of last year. Crime levels tend to follow seasonal patterns, making a year-over-year comparison most relevant.
Most types of crimes increased this month, led by assault and robbery. Assault rose from 138 reported incidents in March to 188 in April, and has grown by 11 incidents since April of last year. Robbery incidents went from nine to 25 for the month, or about a 177 percent increase. Robbery reports are also slightly up from a year ago.
While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a sizable percentage increase last month in auto burglary, from 41 incidents per month to 54, and in theft, from 100 to 116. Auto burglary reports have decreased considerably since the same month last year while theft incidents have risen.
There were five rape or sexual assault reports last month. Rape or sexual assault has gone up by about 25 percent since April of last year.
Among the few types of offenses that saw a downturn last month, drug-related offenses went from 245 to 230. Vandalism incidents fell from 74 to 66 and weapons offenses went down from 50 to 46. Drug-related offenses have seen an overall upward trend since the same time last year, while vandalism reports have gone down.
When it comes to crime patterns in different areas of the city, the largest increase last month occurred in Central, East Raleigh and Five Points. Glenwood South and Wade also saw considerable percentage increases in crime offenses for the month, although they continue to have lower overall crime levels. Over the past year, crime has gone up the most in Glenwood.
Sundays, Fridays and Mondays saw the most reported crimes last month. The largest increase from the previous month occurred on Wednesdays, Tuesdays and Mondays while incidents on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays went down. Comparing times of day, after midnight, evening and late afternoon saw the most crime last month on average each day.
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.
