Crime levels declined last month in Washington: What's the latest in the trend?

Crime levels declined last month in Washington: What's the latest in the trend?Photo: iStock
Hoodline
Published on July 04, 2019

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

Incidents fell by about 33%, from 2,098 in May to 1,392 in June. Last month's decrease is consistent with a longer-term downward trend; crime in the city is about 50% below where it was a year ago. Crime tends to follow similar patterns over time, with seasonal ups and downs, making it useful to look at the year-over-year comparison as well.

The offenses most on the decline last month were theft and auto burglary. Theft fell from 988 reported incidents in May to 694 in June, and has fallen by 561 incidents since June of last year. Auto burglary incidents went from 558 to 363 for the month, or about a 34% decrease. Auto burglary reports are down even more from a year ago.

While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a notable percentage decrease last month in assault, from 127 incidents per month to 69, and in burglary, from 107 to 60. Both assault and burglary have decreased since the same month last year.

Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last month, homicide reports went from six to nine. Homicide incidents have seen an overall downward trend since the same time last year.

When it comes to crime patterns in different areas of the city, the largest decline last month occurred in Anacostia, Capitol Hill and Eckington. Logan Circle, Deanwood and Fort Totten-Upper Northeast 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 Cleveland Park, and declined the most in Catholic University-Brookland.

Sundays, Saturdays and Fridays saw the most crime incidents last month. The largest decrease from the previous month occurred on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Comparing times of day, early afternoon, evening and late night 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.