Violent, property crime down in Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Violent crime dropped more than six percent in Austin during the month of September, compared to the same time last year.

Austin police attribute the drop to their strategy of deploying more officers to areas where crime is increasing.

"I've got to shift my officers where those crimes are occurring," said APD Commander Patrick Ockletree. "We're just moving our resources around."

Recently, more Austin police officers focused on the area of East 6th Street, where police reported a rise in the number of assaults.

"Just the sheer presence of an increase in officers in that particular area- will deter crime itself," said Commander Ockletree.

Violent crime in Central East Austin was down more than six percent in September. Property crime decreased by more than 10 percent.

"We have seen more patrol cars- that kind of thing," said Cherrywood resident, Jack Darby. "We have a safe city- I would like it to stay that way," he said.

Darby created a website called krimelabb.com where people can search crimes in their neighborhoods by zip code, address, or the type of offense.

"If people know that- they will be more aware of suspicious activity," said Darby.

Once a week, Austin police commanders meet to determine which areas of the city appear to need additional officers. Each commander reviews crime trends in their areas and dispatches officers accordingly.

By the end of the year, APD will get even more help. 48 new Austin police officers will hit the streets.