Pittsburgh crime dropping: Which offenses are leading the trend?

Pittsburgh crime dropping: Which offenses are leading the trend?Photo: iStock
Hoodline
Published on October 17, 2019

The number of crime incidents in Pittsburgh saw an overall decrease last week, for the fourth week in a row, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects reports from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents fell to 483 for the week of Oct. 7, down from 557 the week before.

The specific offenses that decreased the most were assault and vandalism. Assault fell to 96 incidents last week, from 119 the week before. Vandalism went from 40 to 28. Reports of assault have continued to fall for the last four weeks.

There was also a decrease in burglary, from 27 incidents per week to 21, and in theft, from 108 to 104 incidents.

Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last week, reports of robbery went from 12 to 13, and shootings rose from four to five.

There were 216 reports of "other" crimes, a decrease of 29 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, 146 involved arrests, such as for drug possession, down from 161 reported arrests the week before.

Looking at crime patterns in different areas of the city, Central Business District, Southside Flats and Shadyside had the most reported incidents last week. Central Business District and Shadyside were at the top of the list the previous week as well.

Bloomfield saw the largest decline. Crime reports in Central Business District also fell, after increasing the week before, and incidents in East Allegheny are down considerably as well.

Regarding when most crimes are committed, Tuesday, Thursday and Monday had the most reported crimes last week. The largest decrease from the previous week occurred on Friday, Saturday and Tuesday, while incidents on Monday, Sunday and Thursday went up. Comparing times of day, late afternoon, after midnight and evening continue to see the most crime incidents.

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.