Austin crime levels increased last month: Which offenses are rising the most?

Austin crime levels increased last month: Which offenses are rising the most?Photo: iStock
Hoodline
Published on August 15, 2019

The number of crime reports in Austin saw an overall bump last month, after a previous decline, according to data from CrimeoMeter, which collects reports from police agencies and validated sources.

Incidents rose by 4.3%, from 8,453 in June to 8,820 in July. Last month's increase is consistent with a longer-term upward trend; crime in the city is about 4.8% above July of last year. 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.

Most types of crimes increased this month, led by assault and domestic offenses. Assault rose from 1,052 reported incidents in June to 1,217 in July, and has grown by 154 incidents since July of last year. Domestic offenses went from 1,053 to 1,117 for the month, or a 6.1% increase. 

While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a sizable percentage increase last month in prostitution, from five incidents per month to 15, and in harassment, from 191 to 249. Both prostitution and harassment have increased since the same month last year.

There were 389 burglary reports last month, and five homicide incidents. Burglary has remained at about the same level as July of last year, while homicide has been on the rise.

Among the few types of offenses that saw a downturn last month, auto burglary reports went from 1,055 to 1,034. Fraud or financial crimes fell from 367 to 358, and drug-related offenses went down from 290 to 283. Auto burglary incidents have seen an overall upward trend since the same time last year, while fraud or financial crimes have gone down.

Considering the concentration of crime across the city, the largest increase last month occurred in Central East Austin, North Loop and Dawson. Galindo, Chestnut and Coronado Hills 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 North Austin, and declined the most in Riverside.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Tuesdays saw the most crime incidents last month. The largest increase from the previous month occurred on Mondays, Wednesdays and Tuesdays, while incidents on Saturdays, Sundays and Thursdays went down. Comparing times of day, evening, after midnight and late night 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.