The number of crime incidents in Tampa saw an overall increase last week, for the second week in a row, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects reports from police agencies and validated sources. Incidents rose to 621 for the week of Oct. 21, up from 527 the week before.
The specific offenses that increased the most were theft and assault. Theft rose to 67 incidents last week, from 45 the week before. Assault went from 27 to 40.
There was also a notable percentage increase in vandalism, from 11 incidents per week to 20.
There were two reported robbery incidents last week. That represents a steady state from the previous week.
Among the few types of offenses that saw a downturn last week, reports of burglary went from nine to eight.
There were 484 reports of "other" crimes, an increase of 51 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, 38 involved arrests, such as for drug possession, down from 49 reported arrests the week before.
Looking at crime patterns in different areas of the city, East Tampa, Tampa Heights and Sulphur Springs had the most reported incidents last week. East Tampa and Sulphur Springs were at the top of the list the previous week as well.
East Tampa experienced the highest growth in crime. Crime reports in Tampa Heights also rose, after declining the week before, and incidents in North Tampa are up considerably as well.
Regarding when most crimes are committed, Thursday, Friday and Sunday saw the most reported crimes last week. The largest increase from the previous week occurred on Thursday, Monday and Friday, while incidents on Tuesday, Sunday and Saturday went down. Comparing times of day, after midnight, evening and early morning saw the most crime last week.
Want a longer-term view of crime in Tampa? Here's our latest monthly crime report.
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.
