Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police announced the January 2007 crime statistics today. Overall, the number of violent crimes was 9% lower than the same month last year. Property crimes were slightly higher by 2%.* CMPD Monthly Summary Report (01/07)
* CMPD Crime Statistics by Division (01/07)
■ Nine homicides were reported compared to seven in January last year
■ Robberies were down by 13.5%
■ Rape decreased by 23%
■ Aggravated assaults declined by 6%
■ Burglaries dropped 12% with most of the decrease evident in commercial cases
■ Vehicle thefts were down 23%
■ Larceny drove the increase in property crime; the most significant portion of the increase was in larceny from auto, up 19 % compared to same month last year
■ Arrests were down slightly (2%) compared to the same month last year
■ Traffic collisions were up 3.8% compared to last January, but fatal crashes were down (4 crashes with 5 deaths this year; 6 crashes with 7 deaths last January)