The number of crime incidents in Tampa saw an overall increase last week, after a previous decline, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects reports from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents rose to 559 for the week of September 30, up from 417 the week before.
The specific offenses that increased the most were theft and vandalism. Theft rose to 61 incidents last week, from 36 the week before. Vandalism went from 10 to 17. Reports of vandalism have continued to grow for the last two weeks.
Among other categories, there was also an increase in robbery, from one incidents per week to four, and in assault, from 23 to 29 incidents.
There were 11 reported burglary incidents last week. That represents an increase from eight incidents the previous week. There was also one shooting incident, up from zero the week before.
There were 436 reports of "other" crimes, an increase of 97 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, 27 involved arrests, such as for drug possession, down from 45 reported arrests the week before.
As far as where crime is concentrated in the city, East Tampa, Sulphur Springs and Tampa Heights had the most reported incidents last week. East Tampa and Sulphur Springs were at the top of the list the previous week as well.
Tampa Heights experienced the highest growth in crime. Crime reports in Old Seminole Heights also rose, after declining the week before, and incidents in University Square are up considerably as well.
Regarding when most crimes are committed, Monday, Sunday and Saturday had the most reported crimes last week. The largest increase from the previous week occurred on Monday, Friday and Tuesday, while incidents on Thursday and Sunday went down. Comparing times of day, after midnight, early morning and late night continue to see the most crime incidents.
Want a longer-term view of crime in Tampa? Here's our latest monthly crime report.
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.
