8 crimes in Durham County dropped 24% in March, 2 crimes remain 'challenging,' sheriff says

DURHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead has released a countywide crime report for March, year-over-year comparison.

And for crime overall, it's good news versus some bad news in the types of crimes that are down by double-digits, and the two areas that remain a challenge for deputies. Of course, it's always good news when crime of any kind is down.

According to the sheriff's office, there was a 24 percent decrease in eight crimes during March 2025 vs March 2024. Below is a list of those eight crimes.

Crimes that dipped

• Murder

• Rape

• Robbery

• Aggravated Assault

• Burglary, which includes breaking and entering

• Larceny, which includes car break-ins

• Motor Vehicle Thefts

• Arson

"I applaud the excellent work our investigators and patrol deputies are doing 24/7 in working with the local Durham community, who continue giving us solid leads to reduce crime. We are proactive to prevent crime by reminding all citizens to secure their vehicles, park in well-lit areas, remove spare car keys, valuables, and firearms from your cars. Please report any suspicious activity immediately to 911," Sheriff Birkhead said in a statement.

2 Crimes that remain a challenge

• Stolen Cars

According to the sheriff's office, eleven stolen vehicles were recovered across Durham County in March. Of those, five were stolen from within the city limits of Durham and two from Raleigh.

• Firearms

Firearm data for January 2025 through March 202 shows there were 115 weapons confiscated and 12 reported stolen and five of those 12 have been recovered.

In February, the sheriff's office released an overall crime report for 2024, which also so a decrease in some crimes.

ABC11 Crime and Safety Tracker

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