Travis County Officials Release Wells Branch Crime Statistics

TRAVIS COUNTY, TX — Travis County Sheriff's Office officials released crime statistics from the Wells Branch community — an outgrowth of a six-week initiative aimed at reducing crime in the area.

The effort took place from Oct. 8 to Nov. 15 of 2017, consisting of both undercover and overt operations, a TCSO spokeswoman explained. By Nov. 28, the sheriff's office staged a town hall-style meeting to share details of the operation with residents.

Following a pledge by TCSO Captain Craig Smith to release the findings widely, the sheriff's office released the following statistics gleaned from the operation:

JULY 15 – AUG 15, 2017

Violent Crimes

• Robbery: 4
• Assault: 6
• Aggravated assault: 2
• Narcotics: 24

Property crimes

• Burglary of residence: 8
• Auto theft: 11
• Burglary of vehicle: 27
• Theft: 21

Traffic Offenses

• DWI: 8
• Collisions: 27

NOV. 15 – DEC. 15, 2017

Violent Crimes

• Robbery: 1 75% Decrease
• Assault: 4 33% Decrease
• Aggravated Assault: 1 50% Decrease
• Narcotics: 17 29% Decrease

Property Crimes

• Burglary of Residence: 4 50% Decrease
• Auto Theft: 5 55% Decrease
• Burglary of Vehicle: 11 59% Decrease
• Theft: 11 48% Decrease

Traffic Offenses

• DWI: 3 63% Decrease
• Collisions: 25 7% Decrease

"It’s important to note that this initiative is not an indication that Wells Branch is an unsafe neighborhood," officials noted. "It’s a densely populated area where crime rates had begun to show an increase."

The goal of the operation was to reduce crime through a concentrated effort, officials added, through community engagement, education and collaboration. "During this initiative TCSO worked closely with the Austin Police Department, Pflugerville Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety. We will continue to engage the community and work together to keep crime rates low," officials added.

Officials said such initiatives were begun last year, with the first one focused on the Del Valle area, adding: "These operations will be an ongoing practice in the months and years to come and will target areas where statistical analysis shows an uptick in criminal activity."

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