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Crime on the rise in nearly every major category, CMPD says

By Tina Terry, wsoctv.com
By Tina Terry, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police revealed that crime statistics are up in nearly every major category in the Queen City from last year.

Officers are particularly concerned about a rise in crimes involving juveniles.

"It's alarming to us to see young people engaged in out-and-out violence with guns," CMPD Deputy Chief Jeff Estes said.

Thursday's announcement came just hours after police said three 15-year-olds carjacked a 62-year-old man and ended up totaling his SUV.

CLICK HERE to see more on the CMPD statistics 

During Thursday’s news conference, officers told Channel 9 reporter Tina Terry that they don't have any firm numbers on youth crime, but they have noticed a spike recently.

The victim of Thursday's carjacking told Channel 9 he wants to see more involvement from police, the court system and parents to keep kids on the straight and narrow.

"Parents really need to get their children in order,” he said. “People work hard for what they have.”

Officers also said since the start of the year there has been a spike in every crime category except homicides.

Since March, Channel 9 has covered 10 violent crimes involving teens. Estes said police are often targeting young people by going into local schools and encouraging them to avoid violent crime.

Channel 9 anchor Erica Bryant will speak one-on-one with CMPD Chief Kerr Putney about his request for more officers. He's asking the city for enough money to hire 50 more officers, 20 additional dispatchers and five more crime scene techs.

Putney said it will help cut down on the increase in crime.

This week, Charlotte’s city manager said he wants to raise property taxes by less than half a penny to pay for the increase.

Watch Eyewitness News at 5 p.m. to hear from Putney and the specific ways the extra staffing will help Charlotte's crime rate.

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