The number of crime reports in Detroit saw an overall decrease 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 9.2%, from 7,208 in August to 6,545 in September. This month’s decrease in crime incidents puts the monthly total at about 2.6% below the same month a year ago. Crime levels tend to follow seasonal patterns, making a year-over-year comparison most relevant.
Fraud or financial crimes and theft reports declined the most from the previous month. Fraud or financial crimes fell from 639 reported incidents in August to 474 in September, and have fallen by 66 incidents since September of last year. Theft incidents went from 644 to 499 for the month, or about a 22% decrease. Theft reports are also slightly down from a year ago.
While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a notable percentage decrease last month in robbery, from 247 incidents per month to 194, and in auto burglary, from 483 to 429. Robbery reports have increased since the same month last year, while auto burglary incidents have declined.
There were 18 homicide reports last month. Homicide has gone down by about 33 percent since September of last year.
Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last month, vandalism reports went from 696 to 711. Prostitution incidents rose from 22 to 35 and domestic offenses went up from 78 to 86. Vandalism incidents have seen an overall upward trend since the same time last year, while prostitution reports have gone down.
Looking at crime patterns in different areas of the city, Bagley, Downtown and Barton-McFarland saw the largest decline from August to September. Medical Center, Fishkorn and Eliza Howell 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 gone up the most in Brightmoor and declined the most in Morningside.
Mondays, Sundays and Saturdays had the most crime incidents last month. The largest decrease from the previous month occurred on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while incidents on Mondays and Sundays went up. Comparing times of day, after midnight, late night and late 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.
