Violent crime in Asheville, North Carolina, has decreased by 37% compared to last year, according to Police Chief Mike Lamb, who attributes this decline to enhanced community engagement and partnerships. Despite this overall drop, the month of July recorded a troubling spike in shootings, including four consecutive days of gunfire, highlighting persistent issues in specific neighborhoods, particularly involving nightlife spots.
Officials have noted a rise in dangerous weapons seized, including ghost guns and “Glock switches,” which can convert handguns into fully automatic firearms. The Asheville Police Department is collaborating with a multi-agency gun violence task force to address these threats and has recently reported improvements in property crime data due to better reporting from local businesses. With a significant increase in police recruitment, Chief Lamb anticipates the revival of specialized units, aimed at further enhancing community safety.
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