According to an FBI report released earlier this month, crimes were down in virtually every category in 2024. Locally, law enforcement officials say they’re seeing a downward trend as well.

The FBI reported that nationwide, murder and non-negligent manslaughter decreased 14.9 percent in 2024, compared to the previous year. The estimated number of rapes saw an estimated 5.2-percent decrease, while aggravated assault dipped 3 percent, and robberies decreased 8.9 percent.

On the county level, Captain Marcus Smith with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office shared that while there have been an increase in murders so far this year when compared to 2024, other crimes are down drastically. Sex offenses have decreased by 40 percent, while assaults are down 49.7 percent. Arson has decreased 54.5 per

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