Report: Wilmington crime numbers down, violent crime rate drops 16%

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The latest FBI Crime Report is out and Wilmington’s overall crime totals and rates for 2016 improved over the previous year.

The violent crime rate per 100,000 population dropped by 16% in 2016. The ranking also showed that Wilmington had lower crime totals than cities like High Point and Fayetteville.

“I believe these numbers are a reflection of our efforts to focus on gang violence as well as our joint efforts with partnering law enforcement agencies,” says Ralph Evangelous, Chief of Police. “None of this would be possible without our community and those who go the extra mile to support us in the fight against crime .”

Last year, the report shows there were more than 750 violent crimes including 15 murders.