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North Carolina’s Most Common Crime? Hint: We Like To Fight

What is North Carolina’s most common crime?  Here’s a hint: We like to fight. Here is a list of the 5 most common crimes that occur in North Carolina. 1. …

most common crime
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What is North Carolina's most common crime?  Here's a hint: We like to fight. Here is a list of the 5 most common crimes that occur in North Carolina.

1.  Simple Assault

According to figures from the United States Bureau of Justice Statistics, the most commonly reported crime in North Carolina is simple assault.  A Class 2 Misdemeanor, simple assault is an attempt or threat to physically attack another person.  North Carolina had a staggering 72,033 reports of simple assault in 2022, making it the hands-down most commonly reported crime in the state.

2. Larceny

Second on the list of most common crimes in North Carolina is larceny.  Theft of personal property was at an all-time high according to the latest figures, and North Carolina's raw numbers show it.  Larceny accounted for more than 65,000 reported incidents in 2022.  Depending on the value of stolen items, larceny can qualify as a felony.

3.  Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property

Destruction/damage/vandalism of property was third on the list of commonly reported crimes in the state.  These types of crimes accounted for more than 61,400 reported incidents in 2022.  The category covers a wide range of crimes including willful destruction of another person's property.  Seriousness ranges from misdemeanor to felony.

4. Drug and Narcotic Violations

Drug and narcotic violations are the fourth most common crime in North Carolina, with more than 59,000 incidents in 2022.  This is another category that covers a wide range of offenses, including the use, possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances.  Things to take into takes place, the offender's age, and whether the crime was a repeat or first offense.

5. Theft From Motor Vehicles

Theft from motor vehicles is such a problem in North Carolina that it gets its own category and comes in fifth on the list of most reported crimes.  Authorities received more than 38,000 reports of theft from motor vehicles in 2022.  Items stolen from vehicles often include firearms, which end up in the hands of criminals.

These South Carolina Cities Are The Most Dangerous Of All The Carolinas

There is nothing more important than personal safety. Especially as a woman. Like it or not there are just certain things I won't do. Things like pumping gas at night, rolling my window down in my car for any reason other than a drive-thru, or engaging with anyone I don't know who approaches me in places like a parking lot. Most apartment complexes won't rent first-floor apartments to women either. These are just some things guys don't have to worry about. And I wish I didn't either. But unfortunately, the world we live in makes women have to be super vigilant and aware of our surroundings. My personal safety just takes priority. Even though most of the Carolinas are fairly safe, bad things can happen anywhere. But there are some places where crime is more common than others. So what are the most dangerous cities in South Carolina?

NeighborhoodScout conducted the research to answer that question. And it may not be the answer you are expecting. Their research highlighted the 100 most dangerous cities in America. These are cities with a population of 25,000 or more people. The rankings are based on the number of violent crimes per 1,000 residents.  For the purpose of this list, Neighborhood Scout considers violent crimes to be rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.  According to their methodology, "the data used for this research are the number of violent crimes reported to have occurred in each city, and the population of each city."

A total of 9 Carolina cities made this list. 4 of the most dangerous cities were in South Carolina, while 5 were in North Carolina. The most dangerous city in the US overall? That was Bessemer Alabama, followed by Monroe, Louisiana. You can read the full list via Neighborhood Scout here or keep reading to see the South Carolina cities that made the list.

19. Spartanburg, SC

Long Exposure of Main Street in Downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.

The most dangerous city in either Carolina? Spartanburg. This South Carolina city has a violent crime rate of 15.2 and a 1 in 65 chance of being a victim.

36. Florence, SC

A sign leads highway travelers towards Florence, SC, USA.

Coming in at number 36 on this list is Florence. This town, which you drive through to get to the next city on our list, gives you a 1 in 75 chance of being a victim and a 13.1 rate of violent crime.

44. Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle beach Boardwalk south Carolina

If you've been to downtown Myrtle Beach, are you surprised? There are great areas of this vacation destination, but also some not so great. The "Dirty Myrtle" boasts a 12.1 violent crime rate and a 1 in 82 chance of being a victim.

73. North Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina, USA skyline over the Ashley River.

It's North Charleston which is our last SC city on this list. Not to be confused with Charleston proper, North Charleston has a 1 in 95 chance of being a victim and a violent crime rate of 10.4.