Crime in San Francisco down 17% since this time last year

Crime in San Francisco down 17% since this time last yearPhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on June 07, 2019

The number of crime reports in San Francisco 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 10,506 in April 2019 to 10,138 in May 2019.

Crime trends often contain recurring patterns, based on seasons and other local events, making a year-over-year comparison most relevant.

Last month's decrease is consistent with a longer-term downward trend; crime in the city last month is about 17% below where it was in May 2018. 

The offenses most on the decline last month were vandalism and fraud/financial crimes. Vandalism fell from 676 reported incidents in April to 573 in May — 111 incidents fewer than May of last year.

Fraud or financial crimes went from 371 to 321 for the month, or about a 13% decrease. They're down even more from a year ago.

There was also a notable month-over-month percentage decrease in drug-related offenses, from 324 incidents per month to 278, and in auto burglary, from 133 to 104. Both drug-related offenses and auto burglary have decreased since last May.

There were 15 rape or sexual assault reports last month and 369 auto theft incidents. Rape or sexual assault has gone down by about 55 percent since May of last year, and auto theft has decreased by about 17 percent.

Among the few types of offenses that saw a month-over-month uptick last month, prostitution reports went from 25 to 91. Assault incidents rose from 671 to 707, and harassment incidents went up from 122 to 148.

Prostitution incidents have seen an overall upward trend since the same time last year, while assault reports have gone down.

The neighborhoods that saw the largest month-over-month drop in crime were SoMa, the Upper Haight and the Inner Richmond. Mid-Market, Nob Hill and Parkmerced 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 Union Square and declined the most in Duboce Triangle.

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays saw the most crime incidents last month. The largest month-over-month decrease in crimes occurred on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays, while incidents on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays went up.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.

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.