Dallas/ Crime & Emergencies
Published on May 15, 2019
Dallas crime levels fell last month: Which offenses led the trend?Photo: iStock

The number of crime incidents in Dallas saw an overall decrease last month after a previous rise, according to data from CrimeoMeter, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources.

Incidents fell by 3.5%, from 10,576 in March to 10,209 in April. However, looking at the broader trend, Dallas crime has increased from April of last year. Crime tends to follow similar patterns over time, with seasonal ups and downs, making it useful to look at the year-over-year comparison as well.

The offenses most on the decline last month were theft and alcohol-related offenses. Theft fell from 2,017 reported incidents in March to 1,942 in April, but has risen by 85 incidents since April of last year. Alcohol-related offenses dropped from 575 to 505 for the month, or about a 12% decrease. Alcohol-related offenses are also slightly down from a year ago.

While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a considerable percentage decrease last month in drug-related offenses, down from 250 incidents per month to 195, and in domestic offenses, down from 101 to 83. Drug-related offenses reports have increased considerably since the same month last year, while domestic offenses incidents have declined.

There were six homicide reports last month. Reports of homicide have gone down by about 25% since April of last year.

Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last month, burglary reports went from 638 to 742, arson incidents rose from seven to 13, and auto theft incidents went up from 791 to 795. Burglary and arson incidents have seen an overall downward trend since the same time last year.

Considering the concentration of crime across the city, the largest decline last month occurred in Preston Hollow, M Streets and Cedar Crest. Oak Cliff, Buckner Terrace and Farmers Market District also saw considerable percentage decreases 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 Northeast Dallas, and declined the most in Arts District.

Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays had the most crime incidents last month. The largest decrease from the previous month occurred on Saturdays, Fridays and Sundays, while incidents on Mondays and Tuesdays went up. Comparing times of day, late morning, late afternoon and midday 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.