Crime In Charlotte, NC

From the CMPD University City Division Captain:

During the past week, we have noticed two trends that we want to keep you informed about.

First, our burglaries are continuously decreasing each week due to the hard work of our directed patrol officers but we are seeing the suspect(s) damage and tamper with front door locks in order to gain entry. In some cases the front doors are open.

The second trend we are seeing is suspects entering garages through doors that are left open as well as unlocked cars are a target once they enter the garage. In a lot of these cases the resident is in the back yard or inside the home. The main targets for both of these trends are jewelry, credit cards and checkbooks.

Tips to prevent burglaries:

1. If you are inside your home or in the backyard please close your garage door(s) and always lock your car doors while they are in the garage. Please consider using a sound device on your front door if you do not have an alarm to alert you and the thief that someone could be home.
2. Ensure that the doors and windows of your home are unobstructed by shrubbery and trees.
3. Inside your home: please do not have credit cards and extras checks in the obvious places like desk drawers, unused purses and wallets. Secure them by using a small safe or other means.

The Observer published an article today about a 42-year old man who lives in the University area of Charlotte. He was at home in the middle of the day on Tuesday when two men and two women attempted to break-in to his home... (Read full story)

Following the victim's 911 call, a CMPD University Division Officer was en route to the home and spotted the suspects leaving the area. The Officer followed the suspects and arrested all four of them: Ashley Avery, 20; Anthony Byrd, 18; Darius Claitt, 17; and Bertha Lampkin, 21.