The number of crimes committed in San Francisco last month declined both month-over-month and year-over-year, according to data from CrimeoMeter, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources.
The month-over-month tally of incidents fell from 10,501 in March to 10,364 in April, a drop of 1.3%. The decrease is consistent with a longer-term downward trend; crime in the city in April 2019 was about 12% below that of April 2018. So far this year, daily crime incidents have been down almost every day in comparison to the previous year.
Broken down by type, almost all types of crime decreased both month-over-month and year-over-year.
The trend was led by theft and assault. Thefts fell from 2,890 reported incidents in March 2019 to 2,771 in April 2019. There were 510 fewer thefts this April than last April. Assault incidents went from 778 in March to 669 in April, representing about a 14% decrease. Assault reports are also down year-over-year.
Moving to smaller categories, there was also a considerable month-over-month decrease in harassment, from 173 incidents in March to 121 in April, and in prostitution, from 41 to 25. Harassment reports have decreased considerably compared to last April, while prostitution incidents have risen.
There were 25 offenses involving children last month, and 23 alcohol-related offenses. Offenses involving children have gone down by about 44 percent compared to April 2018, and alcohol-related offenses have decreased by about 45 percent.
A few types of offenses did see a month-over-month uptick from April to March 2019. Vandalism reports went from 640 to 673, auto burglary incidents rose from 109 to 131, and auto theft incidents went up from 380 to 398. Year-over-year, vandalism incidents have declined, while auto burglary reports have gone up.
Looking at crime patterns in different areas of the city, the Mission, SoMa and Downtown / Union Square saw the largest declines in the number of incidents from March to April. Chinatown, Divisadero and the Castro also saw considerable percentage decreases in crime offenses for the month, although they continue to have lower overall crime levels.
Compared to last April, crime has gone up the most in the Fillmore, and declined the most in Russian Hill.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Mondays saw the most reported crimes last month. Late afternoon, midday 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.
