Charlotte crime declines; theft continues to trend down

Charlotte crime declines; theft continues to trend downPhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on October 03, 2019

The number of crime incidents in Charlotte saw an overall decline last month, for the second month in a row, according to data from SpotCrime, which collects reports from police agencies and validated sources.

Incidents fell by 1.5%, from 6,822 in August to 6,717 in September. This month’s decrease in crime incidents puts the monthly total at about 2.6 percent above the same month a year ago. 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 burglary. Theft fell from 3,104 reported incidents in August to 2,974 in September, but has risen by 308 incidents since September of last year. Burglary incidents went from 434 to 391 for the month, or a 9.9% decrease. Burglary reports are also slightly down from a year ago.

There was also a sizable percentage decrease last month in arson, from 15 incidents per month to nine, and in shootings, from 11 to eight. Both arson and shootings have decreased since the same month last year.

Among the few types of offenses that saw an uptick last month, assault reports went from 1,232 to 1,259. Robbery incidents rose from 207 to 216, and vandalism incidents went up from 434 to 443. Assault incidents have seen an overall downward trend since the same time last year, while robbery reports have gone up.

Considering the concentration of crime across the city, the largest decline last month occurred in Downtown Charlotte, Sugaw Creek-Ritch Ave and Briarcreek-Woodland. Collingwood, Highland Creek and Prosperity Church Road 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 Yorkshire, and declined the most in Wendover-Sedgewood.

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