Graphic by Eric Johnson

Austin residents have seen an increase in burglaries over the past few months, as more victims report missing goods, unlocked doors and incidents to police.

Yet where are all the burglaries taking place?

McKichon

It turns out a majority of burglaries reported have taken place in northwest Austin, according to data from the Austin Police Department.

Of the 105 burglaries reported since April 1, 33 have happened in the northwest part of town.

Northeast Austin residents have reported the least amount of burglaries, with 19. About 24 burglaries have been reported in southwest Austin and 28 in southeast Austin.

It’s no secret more crimes in Austin take place during the warmer months, according to Police Capt. Dave McKichan.

“We get an uptick in a little bit of everything when the weather’s good,” McKichan said.

Yet more than 100 burglaries have been reported over a four-month period alone.

Austinites on average report about 157 burglaries a year over the past five years. In 2014, Austin had about 159 burglaries.

Still, it’s difficult to say who’s committing burglaries this year. Julie Skinness caught a white burglar on surveillance casing vehicles near her home at the 1800 block of Eighth Avenue Southwest on July 1, while police arrested 23-year-old Marvin Perez on July 26 after homeowners at the 700 block of Second Avenue Northwest caught him breaking into their home.

In addition, police have arrested several teens this summer for allegedly breaking into cars.

One thing’s for sure: burglars have become more brazen than in past years.

“We’re seeing more cases where burglars are entering homes where people are inside, asleep,” McKichan said.

Austin police have tried to launch public service initiatives over the summer to warn people about the burglary uptick.

“Take precautions,” McKichan said. “Lock your doors.”