Wilmington PD releases 2024 crime stats

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — On Tuesday, Wilmington Police Department (WPD) Chief Donny Williams presented the city’s 2024 crime stats to Wilmington City Council.

According to the report, the number of violent crimes committed last year increased by 2 percent compared to 2023.

While there were two fewer homicides last year compared to the previous year, the number of rapes increased by more than 50% from 2023.

As for some good news, WPD said the number of violent crimes committed involving the use of a firearm decreased last year for the 4th year in a row.

Barry Coburn is a senior data analyst with the WPD.

He credits the department’s focus on removing firearms from the hands of criminals.

“Well, it’s the continued excellence of our Gun Crimes Task Force and how they are continuing to look for individuals that should not have firearms, prohibited possessors, not lawful citizens,” Coburn said. “And getting those guns off the street. There is a nice decrease in violent crime when you take more handguns away from criminals.”

There was a 2% spike in property crimes, with 158 more larcenies, or vehicle break-ins, that occurred in the Port City.

Chief Williams said more than 90% of the vehicles broken into were left unlocked.

You can find the full presentation here: WPDCrimeUpdate2024PDF