Charlotte crime declines in August; theft drops, robbery rises

Charlotte crime declines in August; theft drops, robbery risesPhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on September 05, 2019

The number of crime incidents in Charlotte saw an overall decrease last month, after a previous rise, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects reports from police agencies and validated sources.

Incidents fell by 6.8%, from 7,240 in July to 6,751 in August. Despite last month's decrease, crime reports remain about even with the same month last year. Crime levels tend to follow seasonal patterns, making it useful to look at the year-over-year comparison as well.

The offenses most on the decline last month were theft and assault. Theft fell from 3,317 reported incidents in July to 3,090 in August, and has fallen by 104 incidents since August of last year. Assault incidents went from 1,274 to 1,210 for the month, or about a 5% decrease. Assault reports are down event more from a year ago.

While somewhat smaller categories, there was also a considerable percentage decrease last month in vandalism, from 468 incidents per month to 428, and in burglary, from 459 to 431. Both vandalism and burglary have decreased since the same month last year.

Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last month, robbery reports went from 196 to 207. Arson incidents rose from 11 to 15, and shooting incidents went up from eight to 11. Robbery incidents have seen an overall upward trend since the same time last year, while arson reports has gone down.

Considering the concentration of crime across the city, the largest decline last month occurred in Mineral Springs-Rumble Road, Enderly Park and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Optimist Park, Davis Lake and Double Oaks also saw considerable percentage decreases in crime offenses for the month, although they continue to have lower overall crime levels. Over the past year, crime has gone up the most in Hidden Valley, and declined the most in Downtown Charlotte.

Thursdays, Fridays and Tuesdays saw the most crime incidents last month. The largest decrease from the previous month occurred on Wednesdays, Tuesdays and Mondays, while incidents on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays went up. Comparing times of day, early morning, late afternoon and late morning saw the most crime last month on average each day.

To report a crime in progress or life-threatening emergency, call 911. To report a non-urgent crime or complaint, contact your local police department.

Head to SpotCrime to get free local crime alerts in your area.


This story was created automatically using local crime data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about our data sources and local crime methodology. Got thoughts about what we're doing? Go here to share your feedback.