The number of crime reports in Santa Monica saw an overall decline last month, after a previous rise, according to data from CrimeoMeter, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources.
Incidents fell by about 15%, from 821 in March to 694 in April. This month’s decrease in crime incidents also puts the monthly total below the same month a year ago. Crime levels tend to follow seasonal patterns, making it useful to look at the year-over-year comparison as well.
The month-to-month decrease in reports was led by theft and burglary. Theft fell from 318 reported incidents in March to 231 in April, and has fallen by 46 incidents since April of last year. Burglary incidents went from 63 to 44 for the month, or about a 30% decrease. Burglary reports are down even more from a year ago.
While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a sizable percentage decrease last month in auto theft, from 33 incidents per month to 16, and in fraud or financial crimes, from 35 to 24. Both auto theft and financial crimes have decreased since the same month last year.
There were five domestic offenses last month. Domestic offenses have remained at about the same level as in April of last year.
Drug-related offenses were among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last month, going from 55 to 70. Vandalism incidents rose from 49 to 59, and assault incidents went up from 75 to 81. Drug-related offenses and vandalism incidents have seen an overall upward trend since the same time last year.
Regarding when local crimes tend to occur, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays had the most reported crimes last month. The largest decrease from the previous month occurred on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, while incidents on Mondays and Tuesdays went up. When it comes to time of day, after midnight, late morning and midday continue to see the most crime incidents on average each day.
Citywide crime levels throughout the Los Angeles area also declined last month. Among the 155 neighborhoods in the city covered by our data, Santa Monica ranked 24th in crime incidents per square mile, dropping from 21st place the month before. The neighborhood with the highest crime density in the area last month was Downtown Los Angeles.
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.
