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CMPD Report: Crime up in 2012

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police on Wednesday released first-quarter crime statistics for 2012. And in a sharp contrast from the past three years, the crime index is up by 12 percent.

Among the highlights:

— There were 1,208 reported violent crimes from January to March, an increase of 23 percent over the first three months of 2011.
— Property crimes also were up in the first quarter, with 7,427 reported incidents versus 6,727 for the same period a year ago.
— Homicides doubled in the opening quarter, with 12 this year versus 6 this time last year. By comparison, there were 15 homicides in the final quarter of 2011, according to the report.
— Vehicle thefts are down nearly 12 percent. Through March, 397 of the thefts had been reported compared to 450 for this time last year

Whether the trend will continue for the rest of the year is left to be seen. Police said preliminary figures from the first three weeks of April has dropped the 2012 crime rate to some 7.8 percent.

This article sadly shows a rather significant increase in overall crime in our area. Such trends invariably result in greater numbers of arrests in an effort to improve our city’s safety. However, with those increased arrests, people who are not guilty can be falsely charged. The criminal attorneys at Reeves, Aiken & Hightower LLP stand ready to defend your rights if you are wrongfully accused. For more information about our firm, please visit our website at www.rjrlaw.com or call us directly at 704-499-9000. We welcome the opportunity to make sure you receive fairness and justice.