Violent crime on the rise, local counties no exception

NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Recent statistics show violent crime is on the rise throughout the state.

Many of our surrounding counties are no exception.

Those violent crimes include murder, rape and armed robbery.

Three armed robberies in Wilmington early Monday morning are examples of New Hanover County violent crime increasing from 2005 to 2006.

The State Bureau of Investigation reports Onslow, Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover Counties also had increased numbers of violent crimes, while Columbus County had a decrease.

One victim of Monday’s robberies was a man stopped in his car at the intersection of Greenfield and 13th Streets.

Two men were later arrested and charged.

The crime happened right outside Alice Jinwright’s front door, and that has her worried.

Jinwright said, “That’s scary. That’s really scary. I heard something out there but I didn’t know what it was because I don’t go outside when it’s dark.”

Other neighbors also expressed concern while some said they think people who commit crimes in the area are not from that neighborhood, but target it.

The Wilmington Police Department’s records show January had the most robberies so far in 2007 at 39.