The number of crime incidents in Virginia Beach saw an overall decrease last week, after a previous rise, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects reports from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents fell to 343 for the week of Sept. 23, down from 524 the week before.
The specific offenses that decreased the most were theft and assault. Theft fell to 135 incidents last week, from 173 the week before. Assault went from 88 to 60. Reports of assault have continued to fall for the last two weeks.
While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a notable percentage decrease in vandalism, from 27 incidents per week to 15, and in robbery, from three to two incidents.
Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last week, shootings went from zero to two, and burglary rose from 19 to 20.
There were 109 reports of "other" crimes, a decrease of 105 from the previous week. SpotCrime's broad "other" category includes a variety of offenses like fraud, trespassing, public disturbance and traffic violations. Of those incidents, 24 involved arrests, such as for drug possession, down from 47 reported arrests the week before.
Considering the concentration of crime across the city, Kempsville, Seatack and Salem had the most reported incidents last week. Kempsville and Seatack were at the top of the list the previous week as well.
Seatack experienced the largest drop in crime; incidents in the neighborhood have been falling for three weeks in a row. Crime reports in Princess Anne also fell, after increasing the week before, and incidents in Kempsville are down considerably as well.
Regarding when crime most often occurs, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday had the most crime incidents last week. The largest decrease from the previous week occurred on Sunday, Saturday and Wednesday, while incidents on Tuesday and Monday went up. Comparing times of day, early afternoon, late afternoon and evening saw the most crime last week.
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.
