There are many claims that these community apps end up with multiple reports of the same crime and reports of crimes that didn't actually happen. Not only that, but a lot of urban people have a terrible time distinguishing the sound of gunshots from other noises that are common in urban areas.

I don't want to claim that there isn't a spike in crime. There may well be. But you really have to be careful in relying on what you see reported on these apps. Especially with so many people at home, nervous and stressed out.