The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) released a report showing a 38% increase in motor vehicle thefts, including carjackings, in 2023 compared to 2022. Overall crime in the state rose 2.3%, with a 0.1% drop in violent crime over the same period. The report also highlighted a 127% increase in juvenile suspects involved in motor vehicle thefts, with 836 juvenile arrests in connection with carjacking incidents in 2023 compared to 369 in 2022. The analysis revealed a 35% increase in overall juvenile arrests for crimes.
Various police departments in North Carolina, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Durham, and Raleigh, reported a significant increase in carjackings in 2023. Charlotte-Mecklenburg recorded 7,156 motor vehicle thefts last year compared to 3,202 in 2022, while Durham saw 1,913 carjackings in 2023 versus 826 in 2022. Similarly, Raleigh reported 1,691 carjackings last year compared to 1,037 in 2022. The three cities also experienced an overall increase in crime of 13% between 2022 and 2023, according to NCSBI data. Cary, a smaller city outside Raleigh, reported a more than 50% increase in motor vehicle thefts, with 306 incidents in 2023 compared to 126 in 2022.
Mitch Kokai, senior political analyst for the John Locke Foundation, noted that the increase in carjackings is likely a reason for growing concerns about crime among North Carolinians. He emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to address the issue and make carjacking a more difficult choice for criminals. The report suggested that carjacking has become a popular crime in recent years, and there is a collective effort required from law enforcement and the community to combat the rising trend.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) reported that the overall number of vehicle thefts in the city has remained stable compared to the previous year, with a 9% decrease in larceny from auto incidents. However, the city has recorded a 28% increase in homicides year-to-date in 2024, although CMPD’s homicide investigation clearance rate stands at 70% in the third quarter of the year. Deputy Chief David Robinson reiterated the department’s focus on reducing violent crime, auto crimes, and juvenile delinquency, stressing the importance of collaboration among all citizens to ensure the city’s safety.
In September, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) endorsed Donald Trump for president, citing his support for law enforcement and border security during his first term. FOP National President Patrick Yoes highlighted the importance of public safety and border security in the presidential campaign. The FOP’s endorsement is considered significant in determining the direction of the country, given its representation of law enforcement officers across the United States. Yoes emphasized the role of the FOP in supporting its members and the communities they serve in shaping the nation’s future.
