Most Common Crimes in North Carolina (2024)

Both violent and property crimes are common in North Carolina, and they happen in urban and rural places. By finding out what the most common crimes in North Carolina are, you can help keep you and your family safe whether you are visiting our beautiful state or you call it home. Understanding these crimes can also help you avoid the accusation of such criminal behaviors and keep you out of the criminal justice system.

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, consulting a Gastonia criminal defense attorney is essential. A skilled defense attorney can provide guidance, advocate for your rights, and build a strong defense to help secure the best possible outcome, whether through negotiation or by challenging the charges in court.

In North Carolina, some of the most frequently reported offenses range from violent altercations to property crimes and drug violations. The data, particularly from 2022 and early 2023, sheds light on the social and law enforcement challenges across the state.

North Carolina Crime Rates

While the crime rates for 2024 have yet to be released, historical data can help shed light on some of the more recent trends regarding criminal activity in North Carolina. In 2022, Property crime accounted for 158,705, or 52.9%, of total incidents. Violent crime accounted for 125,865, or 25.2%, of total incidents. The most common crimes were simple assault, theft and larceny, vandalism, drug violations, and theft of a motor vehicle.

Criminal Trends

While the North Carolina crime rate accounts for a multitude of various crimes, certain patterns of crime have become commonplace in North Carolina. The more common crimes include:

• Simple assault: With more than 72,000 incidents, simple assault is the most common type of crime reported in North Carolina. Simple attacks consist of relatively modest physical altercations that do not entail the use of weapons or the intention to cause substantial injury to the victim. These crimes may occur during domestic conflicts, altercations in bars, or minor altercations between friends or strangers.
• Theft and larceny: Totaling more than 65,000 incidents. This crime consists of taking someone else’s property without their consent. In addition to shoplifting and pickpocketing, this felony includes the theft of objects from private residences, commercial establishments, and public areas.
• Vandalism and damage to property: At a rate of more than 61,000 incidents reported, this type of crime includes painting graffiti, shattering windows, and causing damage to vehicles or residences. All of these crimes involve the purposeful destruction of the property belonging to another individual. Often associated with juvenile delinquency, gang activity, or retaliatory actions conducted in response to disagreements.Damage to property not only has a financial impact on the victims but also has a detrimental influence on the community’s sense of safety and well-being.
• Violations of drugs: Drug violations total more than 59,000 incidents, making this a major area of concern for law enforcement. Controlled substances like marijuana, opiates, and methamphetamines are among the substances that are involved in these instances, which include possession, distribution, and trafficking. Communities are confronted with difficulties as a result of the illegal drug trade, which is a source of fuel for other related crimes. If you or someone you know is facing drug charges, consulting a Gastonia drug crime lawyer can provide valuable assistance. A skilled lawyer can navigate the complexities of drug laws, advocate for your rights, and work toward a favorable outcome by challenging the evidence or negotiating a reduction in charges.
• Theft from motor vehicles: Many motorists feel that locking their vehicles is enough to protect their valuables inside; however, with more than 38,000 separate incidents, theft from motor vehicles is a major concern. Criminal acts entail the theft of valuable items from parked vehicles, such as electrical devices, wallets, and even firearms. The latter is particularly concerning for law enforcement as these weapons are often used in the commission of other crimes.

While these represent the most common crimes in North Carolina, they are certainly not all-encompassing of the crimes you could experience or be accused of. From the beautiful beaches to mountain hikes to city life, there is something for everyone in the Old North State. However, enjoying these while also keeping you and your family safe can create lasting memories.

FAQs About Most Common Crimes in North Carolina

What Is The Number One Crime in North Carolina?

Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, are the most common types of criminal activity in the state of North Carolina. Crimes of this nature are committed all around the state. Despite the fact that violent crimes may occur on occasion, property crimes are significantly more prevalent and have a more consequential effect on communities. Keeping your property secured, including locking your home, sheds, and vehicles, can deter many of these crimes from occurring.

What Are The Three Most Common Crimes in North Carolina?

Crimes such as burglary and larceny, aggravated assault, and drug-related offenses are often the three types of crimes that are committed the most frequently in the state of North Carolina. The state criminal justice system routinely investigates and prosecutes these offenses, which are committed in both rural and urban regions. Each of these crimes is preventable with awareness of one’s surroundings and sticking to safer areas of the state.

What Is The Safest Community To Live in North Carolina?

According to Niche, which uses data from the Department of Education, the FBI, and multiple other sources, Cary is amongst the safest places to live. With low crime rates and a high quality of life, Cary is one of the safest communities in the state to live, work, and play. There are many places like Cary throughout the state, and doing a little research before visiting can help you stay safe whether you are relocating to or visiting North Carolina.

Is North Carolina’s Crime Rate Higher Than the National Average?

The crime rate in North Carolina does tend to be higher than the national crime rate in property and violent crimes. Areas such as Raleigh and Durham have seen a decline in crime rates, moving them slightly under or on par with the national average, while areas like Charlotte rank slightly higher. While no area is free of criminal activity, knowing the crime rate facts can ensure that you take the necessary steps to live or visit North Carolina worry-free.

Criminal Defense Attorney in North Carolina

North Carolina has an abundance of experiences for all types of people and families. No matter what brings you to our wonderful state, rest assured that if you find yourself the victim of a crime or are accused of criminal activity, you can get the help that you deserve from The Law Firm of Brent D. Ratchford. Contact us today for more information.