Reported crime has declined in North Carolina during the first six months of 2026, with the exception of domestic-related violence.
Property crimes have seen the greatest decrease, followed by violent crimes. Property crimes are down 11.9% this year, and violent crime is down 5.8%, according to the report Trends in Reported Crime in NC by the North Carolina Deptment of Public Safety.
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“These insights will help our law enforcement agencies understand where we are seeing success and where emerging needs are developing,” said Caroline Farmer, executive director of the Governor’s Crime Commission. “Strong trend information allows us to respond more effectively, support victims and ensure resources are committed to the right initiatives.”
Kidnapping and abduction crimes have increased in the past year, highlighting that intimate partners were responsible for over half of kidnappings and a lot of intimidation charges. Kidnapping cases increased by 4.6% and intimidation increased by 8.2%.
So far this year, 58% of intimidation victims and 79% of kidnapping/abduction victims. were women. Of all kidnapping offenses, 54% were committed by the victim's intimate partners. 15% of intimidation offenses were committed by a partner.
Crimes involving guns have decreased overall. Homicides involving guns are down 14.1%, and other gun-related crimes are down 8%. However, general weapon violations have increased by 2.1%.
Motor vehicle theft and counterfeiting or forgery charges have decreased over 20% in the last year.
Drug crime is down 2.1%. The state said the current decline may signal a turning point, but it is too early to tell if it will hold.
While reported criminal offenses are down across all major crime categories, the increase in kidnapping and intimidation has jumped significantly.
The report states that together, these crimes suggest that levels of intimate partner violence and threats/stalking may be rising even as violent crime decreases overall.