Police data released this week shows that total crime in Fayetteville has dropped by 7% in the past year. However, crimes involving young people, particularly robberies and assaults, are on the rise.
Youth crime by the numbers:
- Robberies involving minors doubled from 20 cases in 2024 to 40 in 2025, and assaults climbed from 238 to 359 incidents, a 50% increase.
- Drug-related incidents increased by 12%
- Weapon offenses are down by 23%
"We've gone to several community events where we are discussing these issues with our youth, and we have folks that are in the system that are coming back and talking about it so that we can address the issue from that perspective," Police Chief Roberto Bryan Jr. said.
Bryan, who began his tenure in July, has made youth crime a top priority and expects to fill 23 officer vacancies by April.
To address the uptick in youth crime, the city imposed a curfew in July, requiring anyone 16 or younger to be off public streets after 11 p.m. unless accompanied by an adult. The move sparked debate among council members, with some questioning whether enforcement would criminalize rather than support young people. Recent data shows eight teens have been charged with violations during curfew hours.
Many local organizations are stepping up efforts to reach at-risk youth. Johnny Wilson, CEO of Fayetteville Urban Ministry, has worked for 14 years to provide mentorship and guidance to more than 100 children annually.
"None of these kids have ever raised their hand and said, 'Hey, when I grow up, I want to be the best criminal that I could ever be.' Every last one of them have goals, and it's just about us adults giving them the structure and system to help," Wilson said.
Wilson pointed to the challenges posed by technology and social media, which can expose children to negative influences if left unchecked.
"If they're not getting monitored, their technology, social media, all of these things they're able to access, and get around the most negative things that they wouldn't want to be a part of," he said.
Wilson also emphasized the importance of year-round support, especially during the summer months when schools are out.
"A lot of these kids are looking for just someone to believe in them," he said. "This can't just fall on our law enforcement."
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