The number of crime incidents in Los Angeles 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 18,607 in March to 17,960 in April. Last month's decrease is consistent with a longer-term downward trend; crime in the city is about 3.6% below where it was a year ago. Crime trends often contain recurring patterns, based on seasons and other local events, making a year-over-year comparison most relevant.
The month-to-month decrease in reports was led by auto theft and assault. Auto theft fell from 2,522 reported incidents in March to 2,293 in April, and has fallen by 325 incidents since April of last year. Assault incidents went from 2,772 to 2,557 for the month, or a 7.8% decrease. Assault reports are also slightly down from a year ago.
While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a notable percentage decrease last month in robbery, from 744 incidents per month to 658, and in domestic offenses, from 1,257 to 1,190. Both robbery and domestic offenses have decreased since the same month last year.
There were 93 attempted robbery reports last month, and 223 offenses involving children. Attempted robbery has gone down by about 7 percent since April of last year, while offenses involving children has remained about even.
Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last month, auto burglary reports went from 1,344 to 1,424. Attempted theft incidents rose from 54 to 72, and harassment incidents went up from 297 to 312. Auto burglary incidents have seen an overall downward trend since the same time last year, while attempted theft reports have gone up.
Looking at crime patterns in different areas of the city, the largest decline last month occurred in Koreatown, Sylmar and West Vernon. Hollywood Hills West, Sunland and Valley Village 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 Boyle Heights, and declined the most in Florence.
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays saw the most crime incidents last month. The largest decrease from the previous month occurred on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, while incidents on Mondays and Tuesdays went up. Comparing times of day, midday, late afternoon and evening continue to see the most crime incidents 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.
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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.
