Violent crime in Charlotte has dropped sharply over the past year, according to new data released Wednesday by CMPD.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s third-quarter report shows an 8% decline in overall crime, driven by a 20% reduction in violent crime. Property crime also fell by 5%.
Homicides dropped 24%, falling from 82 in 2024 to 62 this year. Aggravated assaults, including shootings, are down 19%, while robberies have dropped 22%.
Through September, officers made 13,108 arrests, seized 3,167 firearms, and recorded over 427,000 police interactions across the city.
CMPD credits its downward trend to a blend of data-driven policing, stepped-up patrols, and deeper engagement through community partnerships. The department also reports that 80% of this year’s homicide cases have already been cleared via arrests.
“We continue to see a troubling pattern: a disproportionate number of violent incidents and property crimes are being committed by individuals with extensive criminal histories—many of whom continue to cycle through the justice system without facing meaningful consequences. The cycle of catch and release does not reduce crime in our community,” said Sergeant Todd Martin of the Southeast Service Area Crime Reduction Unit (CRU).
Today, we will be sharing our 2025 Quarter 3 statistics, providing a deeper look into current crime trends, as well as the proactive measures we are taking to combat victimization and ensure the safety of the Charlotte community. From Jan. – Sept. this year, we have seen an 8%… pic.twitter.com/F9csOTOb2I
— CMPD News (@CMPD) October 15, 2025
The decline comes in the wake of high-profile incidents, such as the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a South End light rail train, which sparked urgent calls for solutions.
Officials say sustained effort is essential to preserve momentum and reinforce safety across every Charlotte neighborhood.
