2Q CMPD Crime Stats Reveal Disturbing Trends
CMPD says violent crime continues to rise. Vehicle thefts, and thefts from vehicles, are also spiking.
CHARLOTTE, NC — Second quarter crime stats are out for Charlotte, and the numbers are disturbing. CMPD says violent crime continues to rise. Vehicle thefts, and thefts from vehicles, are also spiking.
“Our aggravated assaults have increased,” says CMPD Deputy Chief Jeff Estes. “Our burglaries increased; larceny, vehicle thefts, robberies and even rapes.”
Violent crime in Charlotte is up 28.2% over the three-year average.
Property crime in 2016 exceeds that average by 20.4%.
912 robberies. 2080 aggravated assaults. 1174 vehicle thefts; up 36% over the three-year average.
5418 cases of larceny from auto; an increase of more than 52%!
The University City area has been hit hard with people stealing cars, and taking things from vehicles, especially at apartment complexes. CMPD cracked down there. All that did though, was move the crime into your residential neighborhoods.
In july, University City officers arrested nine juveniles; suspects between 12 and 18 years old.
“Across the tracks, and some of them come up through different cars, and come round through the cul-de-sac, and go back down the street,” says University City resident Phyllis Phillips.
CMPD says these kids are stealing a car and loading up a crew.
“Basically drop off runners, and those people, on foot, will extend out through neighborhoods, down city streets, trying car doors,” says Captain Brian Foley, with CMPD’s University City Division.
Entering unlocked garages and vehicles. Looking specifically for those with a key inside, or “push button” start cars.
30 of the 57 cars stolen in University City this year were taken as a result of key theft. And these criminals are looking for an easy score; looking for neighborhoods where people don’t communicate.
“When they go in their houses and close their blinds, and don’t look out, and don’t peer, those are the areas of opportunity,” says University City resident Johnny White. “And that’s what they take advantage of.”
CMPD is urging everyone to remove all keys, valet keys and start fobs from your vehicles. And to make sure that all car and garage doors are locked.
