Charlotte, N.C. – (Wednesday, October 12, 2022). – Today, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) gave an update on its 3rd quarter crime report and trends for 2022. Overall crime is up 4.5% compared to this time last year. Property crime is up approximately 7% from 2021, while violent crime is down approximately 5%.
The total aggregate numbers for these percentage changes are below (through September 30):
- Overall index offenses reported in 2022 are 29,678 compared to 28,411 in 3rd quarter of 2021 – Up 4.5%
- Violent crime offenses reported in 2022 are 5,552 compared to 5,831 in 3rd quarter of 2021 – Down 4.8%
- Property crimes offenses reported in 2022 are 24,126 compared to 22,580 in 3rd quarter of 2021 – Up 6.8%
- Citizen-initiated calls for service in 2022 are 282,444 compared to 276,642 in 3rd quarter of 2021 – Up 2.1%
- Total police interactions in 2022 are 404,952 compared to 402,999 in 3rd quarter of 2021 – Up 0.5%
- Total 911 calls in 2022 are 733,138 compared to 719,056 in 3rd quarter of 2021 – Up 2.0%
- Total arrests in 2022 are 9,828 compared to 10,016 in 3rd quarter of 2021 – Down 1.9%
- Violent arrests in 2022 are 1,863 compared to 2,148 in 3rd quarter of 2021 – Down 13.3%
The department saw declines across some major categories. Aggravated Assaults (down 7%), Sexual Assaults (down 19%), and Larceny from Auto (1%) have fallen in 2022.
This report shows increases in several categories. Homicides (up 26%), Robberies (up 6%), Burglary (up 22%), and Vehicle Thefts (up 17%) have risen in 2022.
The CMPD's top priorities under Chief Johnny Jennings are recruitment and reducing violent crime, which has dropped nearly 5% from 2021. The CMPD has cracked down on gun crime, as the Department continues to see significant numbers of stolen guns in Charlotte. There have been 1,232 guns reported stolen this year with 800 stolen out of vehicles. The CMPD has seized nearly 2,500 firearms through criminal investigations, an increase of 10% over 2021. The Crime Gun Suppression Team (CGST), created in 2021 to combat firearm-related crime, has accounted for 199 arrests thus far in 2022, along with 193 firearms seized – 23 of those firearms were reported stolen. Recently, the CGST made arrests following an armed robbery series investigation. CGST members conducted a traffic stop on I-85 South that resulted in the seizure of seven firearms. The details are listed in the incident reports 20220906-2219-01 and 20220819-2249-00.
The CMPD exhausts all resources and avenues combatting violent crime including increasing patrols in targeted corridors and utilizing technology such as the Real Time Crime Center. The CMPD's Crime Stoppers Unit also solicits the community's help in solving crimes. So far in 2022, Crime Stoppers has received 849 tips, resulting in 52 arrests and the recovery of more than 1000 weapons. Crime Stoppers has recovered more than $280,000 worth of property, cash, and drugs.
While violent crime has decreased in 2022, property crime continues to rise, up 6% from 2021. The CMPD has allocated significant resources to combatting Auto Thefts and Larcenies from Auto. Larcenies from Auto (LFA's) have dropped 1% in 2022 from last year, however, Auto Thefts are up 17%. The majority of auto thefts are easily preventable. Here are some simple tips to avoid becoming a victim.
- Always lock your car and take your keys with you and make sure your windows are closed when you park.
- Park in well-lit areas if possible.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle – that's especially important for any firearms.
- Use a wheel lock device if possible.
The CMPD is also reporting a significant rise in commercial burglaries in 2022 (up 41%). CMPD recently made two major arrests of prolific commercial burglary suspects, Colby Douglas Brown (DOB 07/10/2001), and Tomarius Wilson Springs (DOB 11/30/1986) as the result of ongoing investigations spanning multiple counties.
Some measures can be taken by businesses to help prevent commercial burglaries.
- Install alarms and cameras
- Secure as many valuables after hours as possible (empty registers, deposit checks, keep valuables in a safe)
- Keep business well-lit after hours
- Call 9-1-1 for any suspicious activity
Despite Charlotte's rapidly growing population and rising 9-1-1 calls for service, the CMPD saw drops in major crime categories including overall violent crime. Despite an ongoing shortage of officers, the CMPD has not scaled back enforcement or services and total police interactions remained mostly flat. CMPD is offering a $7,500 hiring bonus for new officers and starting officer pay has increased by 9%. For more information on the Department and recruitment head to joincmpd.com and follow CMPD_recruitment on Instagram.
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