Crime levels dropped last month in Denver: What's the latest in the trend?

Crime levels dropped last month in Denver: What's the latest in the trend?Photo: iStock
Hoodline
Published on October 16, 2019

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

Incidents fell by 6.3%, from 8,115 in August down to 7,600 in September. This month’s decrease in crime incidents puts the monthly total at about 4.7% below the same month a year ago. Crime levels tend to follow seasonal patterns, making a year-over-year comparison most relevant.

The offenses that declined the most last month were auto burglary and burglary. Auto burglary fell from 808 reported incidents in August to 629 in September, and has fallen by 186 incidents since September of last year. Burglary incidents went from 438 down to 322 for the month, or about a 26% decrease. Burglary reports are also slightly down from a year ago.

While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a sizable percentage decrease last month in rape or sexual assault reports, from 25 incidents per month to 12, and in robbery cases, from 129 down to 105. Both rape or sexual assault incidents and robbery cases have decreased since the same month last year.

Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last month, vandalism reports increased from 508 to 529. Kidnapping incidents rose from six to 11, and homicide incidents went up from nine to 11. All three categories have seen an overall upward trend since the same time last year.

Looking at crime patterns in different areas of the city, Civic Center, Stapleton and the Montbello saw the largest decline from August to September. Lowry Field, Fort Logan and Southmoor Park 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 Lodo, and has seen the most significant decline in East Colfax.

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