CMPD Announces Increase in Crime Stats; Murder, Rape on Rise

CHARLOTTE, NC — “It has been, it was a challenging quarter for us and for us. Those increases are quite frustrating,” said CMPD Deputy Chief Katrina Graue.

CMPD seeing an uptick this quarter in violent crimes. That includes a 47 percent increase in homicides. About a 14 percent increase in robberies and a more than 17 percent increase in rape.

The alarming numbers could have an impact at the polls on election day. Republican Mayoral candidate Edwin Peacock says the city need to go on the offensive.

“Double digit statistics like this are proof positive we have a crime problem, but as we been saying, there’s not been problem with citizens getting involved. Start taking action on this crime problem. That’s why I’m calling for a Citizen Task Force day one of my administration,” said Peacock.

Democrat Mayoral candidate Jennifer Roberts declined an on-camera interview with us, but did say she will promote after school programs and funding for dash and body cameras for officers.

CMPD announced these statistics in the Beatties Ford Corridor where they say they’ve stepped up patrols and worked closely with community members like Natalie Beare.

“We know that there are all types of obstacles that impact change, so the question becomes opportunity to discuss opportunities to address those changes or sit back and complain,” said Beare of the McCrory Heights Community.

City Councilman Al Austin says they are taking action, with the help of citizens who want to bring those numbers down.

“They’ve been through a Crime Watch training, they’ve been through, we’ve had a march, other activities underway, I think is something the entire city and every community needs to wrap themselves around and really take their communities back,” said City Councilman Al Austin.

Peacock says that’s exactly what needs to happen, fight the problem one neighborhood at a time.

“Those are the critical members we need to have on this citizen task force, and we don’t need to have this be a one time thing,” said Peacock.

Other concerning statistics include aggravated assaults which are up 19 percent. Property crimes like vehicle thefts are up 35 percent and burglaries are up nearly 17 percent.