The number of crime reports in Dallas saw an overall downturn last month for the second month in a row, according to data from CrimeoMeter, which collects reports from police agencies and validated sources.
Incidents fell by 6.6%, from 11,204 in August down to 10,468 in September. Last month's decrease is consistent with a longer-term downward trend; crime in the city is about 10% below September 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 offenses that declined the most last month were theft and burglary. Theft fell from 2,182 reported incidents in August to 2,036 in September, and has fallen by 26 incidents since September of last year. Burglary incidents went down from 697 to 606 for the month, or about a 13% decrease. Burglary reports are also slightly down from a year ago.
Among other categories, there was also a decrease last month in fraud or financial crimes, from 154 incidents per month to 124, and in assault cases, from 881 down to 820. Reports of fraud or financial crimes have decreased considerably since the same month last year, while assault incidents have risen.
Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last month, vandalism reports increased from 733 to 786. Drug-related offenses rose from 88 to 102, and kidnapping incidents went up from zero to four. Vandalism incidents have seen an overall upward trend since the same time last year, while drug-related offenses have gone down.
Looking at crime patterns in different areas of the city, the largest decline last month occurred in Northeast Dallas, Cedar Crest and North Dallas. Farmers Market District, Wolf Creek and South Boulevard-Park Row Historic 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 Lake Highlands, and has seen the largest decline in Southeast Dallas.
Sundays, Mondays and Fridays had the most reported crimes last month. The largest decrease from the previous month occurred on Saturdays, Fridays and Thursdays, while incidents on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays went up. Comparing times of day, after midnight, evening and late afternoon continue to see the most crime incidents 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.
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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.
