Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead noted that for the first six months of 2026, what he called "Top 8 Crimes" decreased by 8.7% vs. the same period last year.
"We applaud the hard work of DCSO deputies patrolling 24/7 and specialized crime units who are working together with our community to reduce overall crime," Birkhead said.
Those crimes include murder, sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary/breaking and entering, larceny (including auto break-ins, car theft, and arson.
In all, there were 281 such crimes recorded from January to June. During the same period last year, there were 308.
Birkhead said his department made progress on larceny cases, which spiked in the spring. In April and May alone, 72 incidents were reported, more than half of the six-month total of 142. Final data shows that larceny was down 12% from the same time in 2025.
The sheriff's office got a handle on larceny cases in early May, announcing results of an arrest and ongoing investigation focused in and around the Research Triangle Park area.
2 teens face charges connected with vehicle break-ins across Triangle
"This most recent arrest was a direct result of the seamless collaboration between the Durham County Sheriff's Office and our fellow law enforcement partners in Cary, Raleigh, and throughout Wake County. By sharing intelligence and resources, we are sending a clear message that those who target our communities will be held accountable, no matter where they attempt to hide," Birkhead said at the time.
On Sunday, the sheriff added: "We remind the public to report any suspicious activity -- if you 'see something, say something' -- by calling 911 immediately or (919) 560-0900."
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