The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) released a report showing a 38% increase in motor vehicle thefts, including carjackings, in 2023 compared to 2022. Overall crime rose by 2.3%, while violent crime dropped by 0.1% across the state over the same time period. The report also highlighted a significant increase in juvenile suspects involved in motor vehicle thefts, with 836 juvenile arrests in connection with carjacking incidents in 2023 compared to 369 in 2022. Additionally, arrests of juveniles charged with crimes increased by 35%.
Mitch Kokai, a senior political analyst for the John Locke Foundation, noted that North Carolina is not alone in experiencing an increase in carjackings, but the 38% year-to-year increase is concerning. Police departments in cities such as Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Durham, and Raleigh saw a sharp rise in carjackings in 2023. Crime, in general, rose by 13% between 2022 and 2023 in these cities. Cary, a smaller city outside Raleigh, also reported a more than 50% increase in motor vehicle thefts, with an overall crime increase of 15% in 2023.
Kokai emphasized that carjacking has become a crime of choice in recent years and poses a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies in North Carolina. The statistics suggest that the issue of carjacking needs to be addressed by the next state Attorney General. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, in response to the rising crime rates, stated that there has been no increase or decrease in overall vehicle thefts compared to the previous year and that larceny from auto incidents has actually decreased by 9%. However, the city also recorded a 28% increase in homicides year-to-date in 2024.
The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the nation’s largest police organization, endorsed Donald Trump for president in September, citing his support for law enforcement and border security during his first term. FOP National President Patrick Yoes emphasized the importance of public safety and border security in the upcoming election, stating that the FOP’s endorsement is highly sought after by candidates running for the presidency. Yoes highlighted Trump’s support for law enforcement during the riots in the summer of 2020 and the FOP’s responsibility to its members and the communities they serve in determining the direction of the country. The FOP’s endorsement of Trump reflects their belief that he is the best candidate to address law enforcement issues and ensure public safety.
