CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are touting a 17 percent overall decrease in crime so far this year. The department says violent crime is down 15 percent and property crime is down 17 percent. However, CMPD is seeing a 10 percent increase in homicides, with 66 reported so far in 2026, compared to 60 at the same time last year. There’s also been a seven percent increase in rapes. Leaders say key efforts have focused on reducing crime in Center City. Captain Jeremiah Blow says, “We’ve had several targeted operations and initiatives that have significantly influenced the crime trends in the Central Division. Uptown has hosted more than 130 major events this year, yet crime has remained low.” CMPD’s Entertainment District Unit, focusing on Uptown and South End, has made over 400 arrests and seized nearly 240 firearms so far this year. ...read more read less