Violent crime down in Uptown Charlotte, more enforcement resources being added ‘Year to date we’re down 30%. What does that mean? 133 [victims] versus 190′ Charlotte-Mecklenburg police says violent crime is down in the heart of Charlotte, and they say they’re pouring more resources into the patrol unit to keep the By Katy Solt Published : Aug. 27, 2026 at 9:26 PM EDT Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The crackdown on crime in Uptown Charlotte is working, according to city leaders. On Thursday, Aug. 27, the Charlotte Center City Partners board got an update on the latest initiatives and crime data from Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police says violent crime is down in the heart of Charlotte, and they say they’re pouring more resources into the patrol unit to keep the trend going. “They are making arrests. They are seizing weapons. They are seizing drugs,” said Michael Smith, the CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police says the results in Uptown speak for themselves. “Year to date we’re down 30%. What does that mean? 133 [victims] versus 190. 57 less people were victims of a violent crime,” said Capt. Jeremiah Blow. To keep the momentum going police said they are expanding their Entertainment District Unit, or E.D.U., up to 14 officers assigned specifically to Center City and into South End. “Our nightlife is so vital to being the kind of city we aspire to be. Having it be a safe nightlife is the ultimate destination, safe and exciting,” Smith said. “We think we have that, but with this pairing and this investment, the E.D.U. unit is something we’ve had in the past and that they brought back and the results speak for themselves.” They also know there’s work to be done when it comes to teenagers and resources to combat teen takeovers. Police has proposed a 9 p.m. curfew for anyone under 18. Some city leaders, including Mayor Rob Harrington, say there needs to be alternatives not just restrictions. Also Read: Charlotte-Mecklenburg police chief presents ins and outs of proposed curfew “It’s very important for us to continue to balance opportunities for youth. We’re working with partners, working with county, working with community organizations,” Harrington said. “The thing you hear form youth is there have to be safe, welcoming places for them to go, particularly during the summer months but all year long.” “So think YMCA. What could we do with the YWCA? Boys and Girls Clubs. There’s a lot of great organizations that are out there that do incredible programming for our teens,” Smith said. “Let’s make sure as we make a move with curfew, which is not intended to criminalize being young, but really set standards and try to pair and work closer with parents to create shared responsibility.” Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they will also be heading to Nashville to look at their entertainment district enforcement and bring back some of those ideas to help with patrol here. Copyright 2026 WBTV. All rights reserved.
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: www.wbtv.com