With some 911,000 residents, Charlotte, North Carolina, is widely known for its financial center, sports teams, and green spaces. However, the city has a problem with violent and property crime, which makes home security in Charlotte essential. With a total crime index (TCI) of three — with 100 being the safest — 97% of U.S. cities are safer than Charlotte, according to the latest Neighborhood Scout data, which gleans information from multiple government sources. Here’s how the city’s crime picture compares to other municipalities of comparable size.
Violent Crime in Charlotte
Violent crime remains an issue in Charlotte, where the chance of becoming a victim is one in 134. Of the 41,914 crimes reported in the city over the most recent 12-month period, 6,801 were violent. The FBI defines violent crime as as being one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.
By contrast, Austin, Texas has some 979,000 residents and a TCI of five. If you’re there, there’s a one in 199 chance you’ll experience violent crime. Of 38,063 total crimes reported, 4,932 were listed as violent.
Then there is Fort Worth, Texas, with about 978,000 residents and a total crime index of nine. The chances of being victimized by violent crime in Fort Worth are one in 205. Of 30,642 crimes reported over 12 months, 4,778 were in the violent category.
In Jacksonville, Florida, 7,063 of 33,099 crimes were violent. The city of 985,000 residents has a total crime index of seven and a one in 140 chance of violent victimization.
But in Columbus, Ohio, a city with a crime index of eight and a population of 913,000, your chances of falling victim to violent crime are one in 259. Of 28,782 total crimes reported, 3,528 were violent.
San Francisco, California, with some 808,000 residents, is another city close in size to Charlotte. It has a TCI of one and over a 12-month period, some 5,712 of 51,034 crimes were violent.
Property Crime in Charlotte
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Charlotte, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 26 — for a rate of 38.53 per 1,000 residents. Charlotte logged 35,113 property crimes over 12 months.
Compare Charlotte’s data with that of Austin, where you have a one in 30 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 33.81 per 1,000 residents. The city reported 33,131 property crimes over 12 months. As for Fort Worth’s property crime picture, you have a one in 38 chance of victimization. Of all crimes in Fort Worth, 25,864 were in the property category.
Those residing in Jacksonville have a one in 38 chance of being victimized by property crime. The city reported 26,036 such crimes over 12 months. In Columbus, meanwhile, there’s a one in 36 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 27.66 per 1,000 residents. Of the city’s 25,254 property crimes, 3,786 were burglaries. Meanwhile, there’s a one in 18 chance you’ll experience a property crime in San Francisco for a rate of 42.78 per 1,000 residents.
Charlotte’s Police Department
The police department in Charlotte is the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), as it serves both Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Some 1,850 officers cover 438 square miles, which is a markedly large area for a police department to serve.
Rather than precincts, the CMPD is organized into patrol divisions, which do have physical facilities. There are 13 patrol divisions organized under the Field Services Patrol Group. The divisions are further divided into three service areas: Patrol North, Patrol Central, and Patrol South.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department headquarters is at 601 E. Trade St. in Charlotte.
How to Stay Safe
Monitored home security systems can help play a crucial role in preventing crime by working closely with local police like those in the Charlotte area. These systems work in tandem with law enforcement and first responders to lessen the chance of being the victim of a crime or emergency.
With a monitored security system, when an alarm is triggered, the security company’s monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and notifies law enforcement if necessary. By providing real-time information, such as the nature of the alarm and whether it’s a break-in or fire, first responders can respond more quickly and efficiently. The partnership between first responders and a monitored home security company helps enhance public safety and reduce response times.
In Summary
Compared to other cities with similar populations, incidences of property and violent crime are higher overall in Charlotte. Meanwhile, in the U.S. as a whole, a residential break-in occurs every 26 seconds. Further, homes with no security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized wherever they are. Some 83% of would-be burglars search for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. That’s why monitored home security systems from Guardian Protection offer around-the-clock monitoring to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered by professionals who work closely with first responders, every hour of the day.
