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Crime is down across the country, including right here in Sampson County. At least that’s what the law enforcement reports say. The FBI released a report earlier this month, stating that crime was down in every category in 2024. Locally, the numbers from the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office and Clinton Police Department back up that statement as well. Sampson County’s only other law enforcement agency, the Newton Grove PD, didn’t have figures available, but reported crime stays at low levels throughout the years.

Yet, if you looked at Sunday’s paper, you saw a front page featuring a drug bust, copper thefts and even murder. It may not feel like crime is decreasing in our communities, but rest assured, it is.

Captain Marcus Smith with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office shar

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