The number of crime incidents in Pittsburgh decreased slightly last week, for the third week in a row, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects reports from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents fell to 556 for the week of September 30, down from 562 the week before.
Theft and assault led the decrease in crime reports. Theft fell to 108 incidents last week, from 124 the week before. Assault went from 131 to 119. Reports of assault have continued to fall for the last three weeks.
While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a notable percentage decrease in shootings, from 10 incidents per week to three, and in robbery, from 13 to 12 incidents.
Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last week, reports of burglary went from 16 to 27. Incidents of vandalism rose from 31 to 40, and arson went up from one to two.
There were 245 reports of "other" crimes, an increase of nine 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, 161 involved arrests, such as for drug possession, down from 171 reported arrests the week before.
As far as where crime is concentrated in the city, Central Business District, Bloomfield and Shadyside had the most reported incidents last week. Shadyside was at the top of the list the previous week as well.
Shadyside experienced the largest drop in crime. Crime reports in Knoxville also fell, after increasing the week before, and incidents in Marshall - Shadeland are down considerably as well.
Regarding when crime most often occurs, Tuesday, Friday and Thursday had the most reported crimes last week. The largest decrease from the previous week occurred on Sunday, Wednesday and Monday, while incidents on Tuesday, Friday and Thursday went up. Comparing times of day, evening, late afternoon and after midnight 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.
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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.
