New Orleans crime incidents up; assault rises, shooting drops

New Orleans crime incidents up; assault rises, shooting dropsPhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on September 06, 2019

The number of crime reports in New Orleans saw an overall increase last month, for the second month in a row, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects reports from police agencies and validated sources.

The number of reported incidents rose by 4.2%, from 16,923 in July to 17,629 in August. This month’s increase in the number of reported crimes puts the monthly total at about 27% above the same month a year ago. Crime trends often contain recurring patterns, based on seasons and other local events, making it useful to look at the year-over-year comparison as well.

The number of reported assault and theft incidents increased the most from the previous month. Assault rose from 1,278 reported incidents in July to 1,446 in August, and has grown by 446 incidents since August of last year. Reported heft incidents rose from 1,865 to 1,935 for the month, or a 3.8% increase. Theft reports are up even more from a year ago.

While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a considerable percentage increase last month in the number of arson reports, up from two incidents per month to three, and in the number of robbery reports, up from 99 to 105. Both arson and robbery have increased since the same month last year.

Among the few types of reported offenses that saw a downturn last month, the number of shootings fell from 305 to 259. The number of reported burglary incidents fell from 941 to 925, and the number of reported vandalism incidents dropped from 407 to 406. All three crimes have seen an overall upward trend since the same time last year.

When it comes to crime patterns in different areas of the city, the largest increases last month occurred in the French Quarter, Audubon and Marigny. Black Pearl, Touro and Holy Cross also saw considerable percentage increases in reported 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 Viavant-Venetian Isles, and declined the most in City Park.

Saturdays, Fridays and Thursdays saw the most crime incidents last month. The largest increases from the previous month occurred on Saturdays, Fridays and Thursdays, while the number of reported incidents on Wednesdays, Tuesdays and Mondays went down. Comparing times of day, late afternoon, late morning 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 SpotCrime 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.