The number of crime incidents in Austin saw an overall bump last month, after a previous decline, according to data from CrimeoMeter, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources.
Incidents rose by 6.9%, from 8,094 in April to 8,653 in May. This month’s increase in crime incidents puts the monthly total at about 3.1% above the same month a year ago. Crime levels tend to follow seasonal patterns, making a year-over-year comparison most relevant.
The month-to-month increase in reports was led by auto burglary and domestic offenses. Auto burglary rose from 896 reported incidents in April to 1,179 in May, and has grown by 489 incidents since May of last year. Domestic offenses went from 1,033 to 1,110 for the month, or a 7.5% increase.
While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a sizable percentage increase last month in burglary, from 269 incidents per month to 324, and in alcohol-related offenses, from 317 to 373. Burglary reports have decreased slightly since the same month last year, while alcohol-related offenses incidents have risen.
There were 81 robbery reports last month. Robbery has gone up by about 3.8 percent since May of last year.
Among the few types of offenses that saw a downturn last month, drug-related offenses went from 337 to 310. Weapons offenses fell from 64 to 45, and suspicious person incidents went down from 70 to 66. Drug-related offenses and weapons offenses have seen an overall downward trend since the same time last year.
Considering the concentration of crime across the city, Parker Lane, North Austin and Zilker saw the largest increase from April to May. University Hills, South River City and RMMA 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 West University, and declined the most in Holly.
Fridays, Thursdays and Wednesdays had the most reported crimes last month. The largest increase from the previous month occurred on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, while incidents on Tuesdays and Mondays went down. Comparing times of day, evening, late night 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.
