Detroit crime levels increased last month: Which offenses led the trend?

Detroit crime levels increased last month: Which offenses led the trend?Photo: iStock
Hoodline
Published on June 06, 2019

The number of crime incidents in Detroit saw an overall bump last month, for the third month in a row, according to data from CrimeoMeter, which collects data from police agencies and validated sources.

Incidents rose by 3.2 percent, from 6,429 in April to 6,635 in May. However, looking at the broader trend, Detroit crime has decreased from May of last year. Crime tends to follow similar patterns over time, with seasonal ups and downs, making a year-over-year comparison most relevant.

Most types of crimes increased this month, led by assault and auto theft. Assault rose from 2,116 reported incidents in April to 2,255 in May, and has grown by 123 incidents since May of last year. Auto thefts went from 456 to 519 for the month, or about a 13 percent increase. However, auto theft reports have decreased since a year ago.

There was also a notable percentage increase last month in weapons offenses, from 103 incidents per month to 146, and in domestic offenses, from 50 to 75. Both weapons and domestic offenses have increased since the same month last year.

Among the few types of offenses that saw a downturn last month, auto burglaries went from 485 to 433. Fraud or financial crimes fell from 525 to 495, and prostitution incidents went down from 108 to 84. All three have seen an overall downward trend since the same time last year.

Over the past year, crime has gone up the most in the University District and declined the most in Midtown.

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays saw the most reported crimes last month. The largest increase from the previous month occurred on Wednesdays, Fridays and Thursdays, while incidents on Mondays and Tuesdays went down. Comparing times of day, late afternoon, midday and after midnight 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.