Crime in Chapel Hill/Cary (Apex: insurance, appliances, home)

[njfam6]

Both my SIL and I are planning moves to the Triangle area (either Chapel Hill or Cary/Apex) with our families this year. I never thought to ask about crime statistics because the area seems very safe. SIL, however, is a NYC police office; and crime statistics are up high on her list. She called both the Chapel Hill and Cary police departments and talked to the desk sergeants. The answers she received were a little surprising. The Chapel Hill police office stated that the area was seeing an increase in gang activity with violence spreading into some of the schools and community events although he did say it was very mild compared to other urban areas. The Cary officer indicated that personal crime was not an issue but property crime was quite significant. I was wondering what members of this forum thought of those comments. It's certainly giving my husband pause about the move.

[CHTransplant]

Originally Posted by njfam6

The Chapel Hill police office stated that the area was seeing an increase in gang activity with violence spreading into some of the schools and community events although he did say it was very mild compared to other urban areas. The Cary officer indicated that personal crime was not an issue but property crime was quite significant. I was wondering what members of this forum thought of those comments. It's certainly giving my husband pause about the move.

I think the response from Chapel Hill police could have come from any suburban PD in the country. Tell me one area that isn't seeing some increase in gang activity creeping into schools. It's everywhere. I don't think it's much to worry about in Chapel Hill.

As for the Cary PD's comments - a wealthy suburb suffers from property crime. Hmmm, hard to figure that one out. What was that answer once given by a famous bank robber when he was asked why he robbed banks?? (Because that's where the money is.)

[lamishra]

Sounds pretty accurate to me.

[njfam6]

I guess that our concern elevated when we compared crime statistics for our town (bedroom community to NYC) to Chapel Hill and Cary. Our town ranked at 5% of the national average; Cary was at 73% of the national average; and Chapel Hill was at 200% of the national average!!! Property crime in Cary was 175% of the national average. That seems concerning to me. We live in an extremely affluent area, and there is almost no property crime.

[vince_sf32]

So I guess I shouldn't sell that Sig p229 before I move there?

Really... all jokes aside, is there a rise in gang activity, in California we've seen a sharp rise in home invasions?

Does anyone have a link to reliable stats?

[Carmela C]

For up to date information, visit www.townofcary.org Once you are at the homepage, under Oline Services (on the right) click Maps Online;
click "I understand, proceed to Cary GIS" and select CRIME DATA.

Hope this helps!

[CHTransplant]

Statewide crime data:

Crime In North Carolina

[CHTransplant]

Originally Posted by njfam6

I guess that our concern elevated when we compared crime statistics for our town (bedroom community to NYC) to Chapel Hill and Cary. Our town ranked at 5% of the national average; Cary was at 73% of the national average; and Chapel Hill was at 200% of the national average!!! Property crime in Cary was 175% of the national average. That seems concerning to me. We live in an extremely affluent area, and there is almost no property crime.

Please point us to the source of your data so we can help you compare.

Keep in mind that Chapel Hill is a college town - some of the data you are seeing may represent "youthful indiscretions."

[NCInMyMind]

My understanding is that a lot of the property crime is actually builder-related. This part of NC has had a lot of growth, hence lots of new construction.

On the day that the appliances are installed a sub or even a builder himself "accidently" leaves a door/window unlocked. Overnight, the appliances are stolen and the builder reports it to his insurance. A supposed "victimless" crime that is reported as a property crime.

We live in a development that has on-going construction and this scenario has happened again and again.

Before relocating with a new job, we too looked into the stats and were stunned at how high they were. A call to the Cary police department revealed what sort of property crime it actually was.

Most of the "real" crime that I am aware of in Cary and CH is mostly teens who steal from unlocked cars/garages. And sadly, there have been several cases of fairly affluent husbands murdering their wives.

We feel very safe living in Cary.

[SaucyAussie]

Cary has a population of around 130K and had zero murders in 2009 and I think has had one this year. You would be hard pressed to find another geographical area in the country containing 130K people that can say that.