When it comes to crime rates, not all towns are created equal. Some places are safer than others, while some are notorious for their high levels of violence. According to the latest FBI data, the most violent town in North Carolina state is Lumberton, a small city of about 20,000 people in Robeson County.
What makes Lumberton so violent?
Lumberton has a violent crime rate of 1,778 per 100,000 residents, which is more than four times the national average of 366. The town also has the highest murder rate in the state, with 27 homicides in 2023, or 135 per 100,000 residents. That is more than 25 times the national average of 5. The town also suffers from high rates of rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
There are many factors that contribute to Lumberton’s violence, such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, gang activity, and racial tension. Lumberton is one of the poorest towns in the state, with a median household income of $28,293, which is less than half of the state average of $57,341. The town also has a high unemployment rate of 9.7%, compared to the state average of 4.6%.
Lumberton has a large population of Native Americans, who make up about 38% of the residents, followed by African Americans (36%), and whites (24%). The town has a history of racial discrimination and segregation, which has led to mistrust and resentment among different groups.
Lumberton is also a hub for drug trafficking, as it is located along Interstate 95, a major corridor for transporting drugs from Florida to New York. The town has a serious problem with opioid addiction, which has fueled crime and violence. Lumberton also has a presence of several gangs, such as the Bloods, the Crips, and the Folk Nation, who are involved in turf wars, shootings, and robberies.
What is being done to reduce violence in Lumberton?
The authorities in Lumberton are aware of the town’s crime problem and are trying to address it with various strategies. The town has increased its police force, hired more detectives, and invested in new equipment and technology. The police have also partnered with federal and state agencies, such as the FBI, the DEA, and the SBI, to conduct joint operations and investigations. The police have also implemented community policing initiatives, such as neighborhood watch programs, crime prevention workshops, and outreach events, to build trust and cooperation with the residents.
The town has also received grants and funding from various sources, such as the Department of Justice, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Governor’s Crime Commission, to support crime reduction efforts. The town has used these funds to improve lighting, surveillance, and security in high-crime areas, to provide housing assistance and social services to low-income families, and to create job opportunities and educational programs for at-risk youth.
The town has also engaged with various community organizations, such as churches, schools, nonprofits, and businesses, to promote peace and harmony among different groups. The town has organized events and activities, such as festivals, parades, concerts, and sports, to celebrate the town’s diversity and culture. The town has also supported initiatives and programs, such as mediation, counseling, mentoring, and drug treatment, to help victims and offenders of violence.
Conclusion
Lumberton is a town that faces many challenges and struggles, but also has many strengths and potentials. The town has a rich history, a diverse population, and a resilient spirit. The town has a problem with violence, but also has a solution with collaboration. The town has a long way to go, but also has a hope for a better future. Lumberton is a town that deserves attention, support, and respect.