CMPD: Homicides, burglaries on the rise in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released its third-quarter crime numbers of 2022 Wednesday.

During a news conference, police said overall crime is up 4.5% compared to the same period in 2021. Property crime has also risen 6.8% in 2022, while violent crime is down 4.8%.

According to the report, homicides are up 26%, robberies have risen by 6%, burglary is up 22% and vehicle thefts are up by 17%.

CMPD also said it saw declines across some major areas, including aggravated assaults down by 7%, sexual assaults down by 19% and larcenies from auto down by 1%.

“The CMPD’s top priorities under Chief Johnny Jennings are recruitment and reducing violent crime,” the department said in a news release.

CMPD said it is cracking down on gun crime, with nearly 2,500 firearms seized this year, an increase of 10% over 2021.

According to CMPD, one of the biggest crimes so far this year is stolen items from commercial spaces, such as new homes or apartment buildings. Police said people are stealing box trucks and using them to load up stoves or washing machines from construction sites.

Authorities have found dozens of stolen appliances and said help from developers is crucial.

“We want you to have an alarm. Cameras are also very good, but you have to be able to use them and record video. Just keeping your eyes open is really the key,” said Capt. Brian Foley.

With property crime and auto theft also on the rise, police are sharing some tips to help avoid becoming a victim:

• Always lock your car, 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.

CMPD said the numbers are promising but there is still a lot of work to do to prevent various crimes.

The mid-year numbers that came out in July showed crime was on the rise. Shootings were up 25% and homicides were up 8.5%.

At that time, police said they were concerned about the number of violent crimes committed by children and teens.

Mother seeks justice after son shot, killed outside Northlake Mall

Donna Spencer is still grieving the loss of her son, 23-year-old Armani Spencer.

“I’m just waiting patiently for this to end,” Donna Spencer said.

Police said Armani Spencer was shot and killed two months ago inside a car at an intersection outside Northlake Mall.

He is one of 92 homicide victims in Charlotte this year.

“Just put the guns down,” Donna Spencer said. “Just put the guns down. What happened to us talking back in the day? What happened to us coming to an agreement?”

The mother continues to hang onto hope.

“He was my only son, and I will do whatever I have to do to get justice for Armani,” she said.

(WATCH BELOW: CMPD: Violent crime, property crimes on the rise in Charlotte)

CMPD: Violent crime, property crimes on the rise in Charlotte

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