Crime Report: 20 August 2023

ONE category of violent crime is improved over 2019 levels

The Metropolitan Crime Commission has released the most recent data for the city. The results are somewhat mixed, but, of course, if you are a victim of crime the statistics are rather stark for you, like this fellow, who is a fine local Conservative whom I respect…

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The city has created this graphic to show crime locations and type of crime

It’s so important that we compare crime this year to 2019, before the Covid response that has hobbled our city and our economy.

At least there’s ONE category showing improvement.

As of August 20, 2023: 

Homicide Victims: 158

• Four homicides in the last week, including a stabbing at the edge of the French Quarter.

• Homicide total includes seven victims of vehicular homicide, four negligent, and approx. four which may ultimately be deemed justified by the DA’s office. These will not be counted as “murders” by NOPD.

• Homicide in 2023 is 15% lower than the same time in 2022.

Nonfatal Shooting Incidents: 261

• There have been approximately 351 victims of nonfatal gunshot incidents in 2023, though this number is subject to change as investigations progress.

• At the same time in 2022, there had been 305 shooting incidents and approximately 429 nonfatal shooting victims (overall reduction of 18% in fatal/nonfatal shooting incidents and victims).

  

  

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Carjacking Incidents: 108

• Carjacking incidents are down 43% relative to 2022 – still the biggest decline we are seeing in any major violent crime category since 2022.

  • Continues to coincide with a substantial (124%) increase in auto theft (as of August 20, 2022, 2,153 auto thefts vs. 4,823 in 2023).

Armed Robbery Incidents: 256

• Armed robbery is 30% lower than this time in 2022 and 11% lower than the same time in 2019, though we remain slightly to moderately above 2020-2021 rates (+15% and +1%, respectively).

  • This is the only violent crime category that is lower than 2019. 

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In 2022, there were 2,153 reported auto thefts as of August 20th. 

There have been at least 4,823 reported auto thefts to date in 2023, an increase of 124% since 2022. 

This is an average of 21 stolen cars per day, though we have improved since earlier this year, when the city was averaging 25 stolen cars per day. 

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