Charlotte’s overall crime rate last year remained largely unchanged from 2013. But there were some categories of crimes that saw big increases and drops in their numbers.
Property crimes were up about 0.6 percent from 2013 and violent crimes were down by the same amount. But some types of crimes increased.
“We did see spikes in aggravated assaults and commercial burglaries and larcenies. And those are challenges we go into 2015 eager to address,” said Police Chief Rodney Monroe.
Homicides saw one of the largest percentage drops. There were 42 of them last year, compared to 53 in 2013.
“We had the fewest homicides that we’ve recorded in the CMPD, since we started recording homicides. That dates back to 1977,” said Monroe.
But murders are back up so far this year. There have already been six of them. This time last year there was just one.
“So we’re a 100 plus percent up. But we believe that will change,” said Monroe.
He said the department is increasing efforts to seize firearms and ramping up overtime for officers in parts of west Charlotte and along North Tryon.
Crime rates across the country have been ticking down for years now. Charlotte saw big decreases a few years ago. That’s leveled out for the past couple years.
