Dallas crime levels fell last month: What's the latest in the trend?

Dallas crime levels fell last month: What's the latest in the trend?Photo: iStock
Hoodline
Published on September 06, 2019

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

Incidents fell by 5.2%, from 11,735 in July down to 11,124 in August. Last month's decrease is consistent with a longer-term downward trend; crime in the city is about 17% lower than August of last year. Crime tends to follow similar patterns over time with seasonal ups and downs, making a year-over-year comparison most relevant.

The month-to-month downturn in incidents was led by theft and vandalism. Theft fell from 2,330 reported incidents in July to 2,111 in August, and has fallen by eight incidents since August of last year. Vandalism incidents went from 850 down to 705 for the month, or about a 17% decrease. Vandalism reports are also down slightly from a year ago.

While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a considerable percentage decrease last month in drug-related offenses, from 146 incidents per month to 85, and in alcohol-related offenses, from 484 down to 438. Both drug-related and alcohol-related offenses have decreased since the same month last year.

Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last month, assault reports increased from 830 to 875. Domestic offenses rose from 73 to 106, and homicide incidents went up from eight to 15. All three have seen an overall upward trend since the same time last year.

Considering the concentration of crime across the city, South Boulevard-Park Row Historic, Southeast Dallas and Northeast Dallas saw the largest decline from July to August. Main Street District, Lower Greenville and South Dallas 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 risen the most in West End Historic District, and has had the biggest decline in Preston Hollow.

Fridays, Thursdays and Saturdays saw the most reported crimes last month. The largest decrease from the previous month occurred on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while incidents on Fridays, Thursdays and Saturdays went up. Comparing times of day, late morning, midday and evening 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.