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Criminal Incident Reports

South Durham Criminal Incident Reports for August 2024

Wes Platt

Wes Platt

— 23 min read
South Durham Criminal Incident Reports for August 2024

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According to the City of Durham Police Department’s LexisNexis Community Crime Map, during the past month our South Durham neighborhoods mostly have seen thefts (including motor vehicles), commercial and residential burglaries, and aggravated assaults.

The data indicates that residents between July 25 and Aug. 24 have reported:

  • Thefts: 29.
  • Motor vehicle thefts: 23.
  • Aggravated assaults: 21.
  • Residential burglaries: 19.
  • Commercial burglaries: 7.
  • Robbery of individuals: 7.
  • Sexual assault: 5.
  • Commercial robbery: 3.
  • Arson: 3.

Here’s a sampling of recent incidents around our area. ChatGPT assisted with the analysis of the data:

Arson

Aug. 9

  • 5:59 a.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 1500 block of Sima Avenue.
  • 2:06 p.m.: Home of the victim/single family in the 1500 block of NC Highway 54 East.

Aug. 20

  • 8:54 p.m.: Home of offender/multi family in the 3600 block of University Drive.

What Does The Data Tell Us?

The timing of arson incidents varies, with no clear pattern of time of day, indicating these crimes might be occurring spontaneously rather than premeditated.

Assault – Aggravated

July 28

  • 3:29 p.m.: Home of victim/multi-family on Cascade Falls Lane.

July 29

  • 5:20 p.m.: Restaurant in the 4800 block of NC Highway 55.

Aug. 11

  • 3:12 a.m.: Bar/nightclub in the 3400 block of Westgate Drive.
  • 10:28 a.m.: Home of offender on Century Oaks Drive.

Aug. 13

  • 2:10 p.m.: Home of offender on Woodcroft Parkway.

Aug. 17

  • 1:30 a.m.: Hotel/motel in the 3700 block of Mt. Moriah Road.

Aug. 18

  • 8:17 p.m.: Grocery/supermarket in the 212100 block of W Alexander Drive.

Aug. 20

  • 6:05 p.m.: Parking/drop lot/garage in 700 block of Stone Lion Drive.

What Does The Data Tell Us?

1. Variety of Locations:

The incidents of aggravated assault occurred in a wide range of locations, including:

  • Residential Areas: Multi-family homes on Cascade Falls Lane, Century Oaks Drive, Woodcroft Parkway, and Dansey Circle.
  • Commercial Establishments: A restaurant on NC Highway 55, a bar/nightclub on Westgate Drive, and a grocery store on West Alexander Drive.
  • Public Spaces: A parking lot/garage on Stone Lion Drive and a hotel/motel on Mt. Moriah Road.

This variety indicates that aggravated assaults are not confined to one type of location, but are spread across different environments, suggesting a broader risk throughout the community.

2. Timing of Incidents:

  • The timing of these assaults varies greatly:
    • Daytime Incidents: Occurred at a restaurant (5:20 p.m.), a home on Century Oaks Drive (10:28 a.m.), and a grocery store (8:17 p.m.).
    • Nighttime/ Early Morning Incidents: Such as the bar/nightclub incident (3:12 a.m.) and the hotel/motel assault (1:30 a.m.).
  • This variation in timing suggests that assaults are happening throughout the day and night, without a specific time frame being more dangerous than another.

3. Possible Domestic or Familiar Relationships:

Some assaults occurred in or near homes, which might suggest domestic violence or conflicts between individuals who know each other. Incidents on Cascade Falls Lane, Century Oaks Drive, Woodcroft Parkway, and Dansey Circle might point to such scenarios.

4. Public and Social Gathering Places:

Locations such as the bar/nightclub on Westgate Drive and the restaurant on NC Highway 55 suggest that places where people gather socially also are at risk for violence, possibly due to escalations in conflicts in these environments.

5. Geographic Distribution:

The assaults are distributed across different areas, from Cascade Falls Lane to Mt. Moriah Road, indicating that the issue is not isolated to one neighborhood but is a concern across the broader South Durham area.

Conclusion:

The data suggests that aggravated assaults in South Durham are occurring in a diverse array of settings, from private residences to public spaces, and at various times of day. This points to a widespread issue where residents should be cautious in multiple environments, not just isolated areas. The presence of assaults in both private and public settings might indicate a need for community awareness programs focused on conflict resolution and personal safety across different situations. Additionally, it may also indicate areas where law enforcement could increase patrols or community engagement to help reduce these incidents.

Burglary – Commercial

July 27

  • 8:30 p.m.: Community center in the 800 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway.

July 28

  • 7:30 p.m.: Hotel/motel in the 5000 block of NC Highway 55.

Aug. 8

  • 12 a.m.: Construction site in the 3500 block of Louis Stephens Drive.

Aug. 9

  • 1:52 a.m.: Convenience store in the 1900 block of Sedwick Road.

Aug. 10

  • 12 a.m.: Commercial office building in the 4100 block of South Miami Boulevard.

Aug. 16

  • 12 a.m.: Commercial office building in the 4100 block of South Miami Boulevard.
  • 1:34 a.m.: Restaurant in the 5100 block of Revere Road.

Aug. 21

  • 7:29 a.m.: Specialty/store in the 5200 block of Chin Page Road.

What Does The Data Tell Us?

1. Frequency and Locations:

  • Incidents were spread across various types of commercial properties, including:
    • A community center on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway.
    • A hotel/motel on NC Highway 55.
    • A construction site on Louis Stephens Drive.
    • A convenience store on Sedwick Road.
    • Commercial office buildings on South Miami Boulevard.
    • A restaurant on Revere Road.
    • A specialty store on Chin Page Road.

2. Repeated Targeting of Certain Locations:

  • The 4100 block of South Miami Boulevard was targeted twice, both times involving commercial office buildings. This suggests that this area may be a hotspot for commercial burglary, potentially due to factors like lower security measures, less foot traffic, or easy access.
  • NC Highway 55 also appears more than once in the overall data, indicating that this might be another area of concern for commercial properties.

3. Timing of Incidents:

  • Most of the burglaries occurred late at night or in the early morning hours:
    • 12 a.m. incidents were recorded at the construction site on Louis Stephens Drive, the convenience store on Sedwick Road, and the commercial office buildings on South Miami Boulevard.
    • Other incidents occurred around 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., showing that these crimes often happen when businesses are closed or when there is minimal activity.
  • The timing suggests that perpetrators might be targeting these locations when they expect minimal resistance or surveillance.

4. Types of Targets:

  • The variety of commercial properties targeted, from construction sites to office buildings, indicates that burglars are not focusing on a specific type of commercial establishment but are opportunistic, targeting a wide range of businesses.
  • Construction sites in particular might be targeted due to the presence of valuable equipment or materials that are less likely to be secured after hours.

5. Geographic Spread:

The incidents are geographically dispersed across South Durham, from Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway to Chin Page Road, indicating that commercial burglaries are not confined to one specific area but are a concern across the region.

Conclusion:

The data on commercial burglaries in South Durham suggests that these crimes are opportunistic and spread across a variety of business types and locations. The repeated targeting of certain areas, like South Miami Boulevard, may indicate vulnerabilities in those locations, potentially due to lower security or other factors that make them attractive to burglars. The timing of these incidents, often late at night or early in the morning, highlights the importance of businesses implementing strong security measures during off-hours. This could include better lighting, surveillance, and physical barriers to deter potential burglars.

Burglary – Residential

July 25

  • 6:20 a.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 1700 block of East Cornwallis Road.

July 26

  • 6 p.m.: Shed/residential outbuilding in the 1700 block of East Cornwallis Road.

July 28

  • 3 p.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 2800 block of South Roxboro Street.

July 29

  • 6:58 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 1000 block of Pebble Creek Crossing.

Aug. 1

  • 12 a.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 1500 block of Rosewood Street.
  • 3:59 p.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 2500 block of Anacosta Street.

Aug. 4

  • 1:21 a.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 500 block of Forge Road.

Aug. 5

  • 9 a.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 1000 block of Edinborough Drive.

Aug. 8

  • 1:05 a.m.: Home of victim/single family on Scottish Lane.

Aug. 9

  • 7:23 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 3800 block of NC Highway 55.

Aug. 10

  • 3:11 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 3800 block of NC Highway 55.

Aug. 11

  • 9:11 p.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 4100 block of Five Oaks Drive.

Aug. 13

  • 5:47 a.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 5900 block of Tattersall Drive.

Aug. 15

  • 5:45 p.m.: Other residence/single family in the 1900 block of Cecil Street.

Aug. 16

  • 2 a.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 300 block of Avon Lake Drive.
  • 10:06 a.m.: Home of victim/multi family on Dansey Circle.
  • 6:30 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 300 block of Snowcrest Trail.

Aug. 20

  • 11:40 a.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 1900 block of Folsom Lane.

What Does The Data Tell Us?

1. Frequency and Distribution:

  • There were 19 reported incidents of residential burglary during the given period.
  • The incidents were spread across various types of residential properties, including both single-family homes and multi-family residences.
  • Some specific areas experienced multiple incidents, such as:
    • The 3800 block of NC Highway 55 saw two incidents on consecutive days, indicating a potential hotspot or vulnerability in that area.
    • East Cornwallis Road had two incidents within two days, one involving a home and the other a shed/outbuilding, suggesting a broader targeting of properties in that vicinity.

2. Timing of Incidents:

  • The timing of these burglaries varied, with many incidents occurring either late at night or in the early morning hours, such as:
    • 12 a.m. incidents on Rosewood Street, Anacosta Street, and other locations.
    • 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. incidents on Forge Road and Scottish Lane, respectively.
  • A few incidents occurred during daylight hours, like the 3 p.m. burglary on South Roxboro Street and 10 a.m. on Dansey Circle.
  • This variation suggests that burglars might be taking advantage of different opportunities, such as when residents are asleep or when they are away during the day.

3. Types of Residences Targeted:

  • A significant number of incidents occurred in multi-family residences:
    • For example, incidents on Cascade Falls Lane, Tattersall Drive, and Folsom Lane suggest that apartments or condos might be frequent targets.
  • Single-family homes also were targeted, particularly in areas like South Roxboro Street, Rosewood Street, and Five Oaks Drive.

4. Geographic Concentration:

  • Certain streets and areas appear more than once, such as:
    • NC Highway 55: With multiple incidents in the 3800 block, this area might be particularly vulnerable.
    • East Cornwallis Road: The presence of two incidents in close proximity could indicate a focus by burglars on this area.
    • Tattersall Drive: This street also saw more than one incident, indicating a possible pattern of targeting specific neighborhoods.

5. Potential Patterns:

Multi-family residences seem to be frequent targets, which might be due to the perception of less stringent security measures compared to single-family homes.

The occurrence of multiple burglaries within a short time frame in the same area, like the 3800 block of NC Highway 55 and East Cornwallis Road, suggests that burglars might be familiar with these areas or that word of successful burglaries is spreading among criminals.

6. Variability in Burglary Locations:

The incidents are not concentrated in a single neighborhood but are spread across South Durham, from East Cornwallis Road to Avon Lake Drive, indicating that residential burglaries are a widespread concern.

Conclusion:

The data on residential burglaries in South Durham reveals that these crimes are fairly widespread and not limited to a specific type of residence or a particular neighborhood. Both single-family homes and multi-family residences are targeted, with some areas like NC Highway 55 and East Cornwallis Road being more vulnerable. The timing of these burglaries suggests a mix of opportunistic crimes, with incidents occurring both during the night and daytime. Residents in these areas should be aware of the potential risks and consider enhancing their home security measures, especially in neighborhoods that have seen repeated incidents.

Motor Vehicle Theft

July 25

  • 3:31 p.m.: Other residence/single family in the 3000 block of South Miami Boulevard.

July 26

  • 5:30 a.m.: Shelter-mission/homeless in the 2400 block of South Alston Avenue.
  • 12 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 4100 block of Garrett Road.
  • 5:08 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 5300 block of Jessip Street.

July 28

  • 10 a.m.: Park/playground in the 3700 block of Southwest Durham Drive.

July 29

  • 9:43 a.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 2600 block of Weaver Street.

Aug. 2

  • 1:45 a.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 1300 block of Bluewater Way.

Aug. 3

  • 8 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 2500 block of Cherry Creek Drive.

Aug. 4

  • 6:15 p.m.: Convenience store in the 7500 block of NC Highway 751.
  • 8 p.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 4600 block of Langdon Drive.

Aug. 5

  • 3 a.m.: Church/synagogue/temple/mosque in the 2000 block of Riddle Road.

Aug. 6

  • 1:30 a.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 1300 block of Folsom Lane.
  • 3 a.m.: Home of victim/single family on Prentiss Place.
  • 10 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 800 block of Ivy Meadow Lane.
  • 11 p.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 1000 block of Apogee Drive.

Aug. 7

  • 2:30 p.m.: Auto dealership in the 3600 block of Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard.
  • 8:10 p.m.: Specialty/store in the 3500 block of Westgate Drive.
  • 9:29 p.m.: Shopping mall in the 1800 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway.

Aug. 9

  • 12 p.m.: Grocery/supermarket in the 3000 block of Fayetteville Street.

Aug. 11

  • 1:01 p.m.: Other residence/multi family in the 400 block of East Pilot Street.
  • 3 p.m.: Other residence/multi family in the 2300 block of Snowcrest Trail.
  • 3:22 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 5300 block of Jessip Street.

Aug. 12

  • 1 a.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 3000 block of Weaver Street.

Aug. 13

  • 8 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 4600 block of Langdon Drive.
  • 9 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 3500 block of Abercromby Drive.

Aug. 14

  • 10:52 p.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 2500 block of Vesson Avenue.

Aug. 15

  • 7:15 a.m.: Commercial office building in the 17600 block of West Alexander Drive.

Aug. 17

  • 12 a.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 100 block of Strolling Way.
  • 11:31 a.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 2900 block of Bainbridge Drive.

Aug. 19

  • 1 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 19200 block of Rose Garden Lane.
  • 7 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 1100 block of Medlin Road.

Aug. 20

  • 5:04 a.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 2800 block of Courtney Creek Boulevard.

What Does The Data Tell Us?

1. Frequency and Distribution:

  • There were 23 reported incidents of motor vehicle theft during the specified time period.
  • The incidents were widely distributed across South Durham, occurring in a variety of locations, including:
    • Residential Areas: Many thefts occurred at or near homes, both in single-family and multi-family residences.
    • Commercial and Public Spaces: Thefts were also reported at locations such as auto dealerships, shopping malls, and convenience stores.

2. Types of Locations:

  • Residential Areas: A significant number of motor vehicle thefts took place at residential locations, including both single-family homes (e.g., South Miami Boulevard, Bluewater Way, Langdon Drive) and multi-family residences (e.g., Garrett Road, Jessip Street, Cherry Creek Drive). This suggests that vehicles parked at home, especially overnight, are at higher risk of being stolen.
  • Commercial Areas: There were thefts from commercial locations, such as auto dealerships on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard and Southpoint Auto Park Boulevard, as well as shopping malls and convenience stores. These locations might be targeted due to the high concentration of vehicles or the perception of lower security during non-business hours.

3. Timing of Thefts:

  • The timing of the thefts varies, with incidents occurring throughout the day and night:
    • Early Morning Hours: Some incidents were reported during early morning hours (e.g., 1:45 a.m. on Bluewater Way, 3 a.m. on Prentiss Place).
    • Afternoon/Evening: Others occurred in the afternoon or evening (e.g., 3:31 p.m. on South Miami Boulevard, 8 p.m. on Langdon Drive).
  • This variation indicates that vehicle thefts are happening at all times, suggesting that thieves may target vehicles whenever they see an opportunity.

4. Geographic Concentration:

  • Certain streets and areas appear more frequently in the data, such as:
    • Jessip Street: Multiple incidents were reported, indicating that this area might be particularly vulnerable to vehicle thefts.
    • Langdon Drive: Appears twice in the data, showing a possible trend of repeated targeting.
  • South Miami Boulevard and Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard also appear more than once, suggesting that these might be areas of concern.

5. Variety of Targets:

The data shows a variety of target locations, from residential streets to commercial properties. This suggests that no single area or type of property is safe from vehicle theft, and that thieves are targeting a wide range of locations.

6. Potential Hotspots:

The presence of multiple incidents in certain areas, such as Jessip Street and Langdon Drive, could indicate hotspots where vehicle theft is more common. This might be due to factors like lower security, higher vehicle density, or a higher volume of potential targets.

Conclusion:

The data on motor vehicle thefts in South Durham suggests that these crimes are widespread, affecting both residential and commercial areas. Vehicles parked in residential areas, especially overnight, are at particular risk, but thefts also occur in public and commercial spaces. The variability in timing shows that thieves are opportunistic and might strike at any time. Certain areas, like Jessip Street and Langdon Drive, appear to be more vulnerable, indicating a potential need for increased security or community awareness in these locations. Overall, vehicle owners in South Durham should be vigilant, using measures such as parking in well-lit areas, using anti-theft devices, and ensuring vehicles are locked and secure.

Robbery – Commercial

July 27

  • 9:02 p.m.: Specialty/store in the 4400 block of Fayetteville Road.

Aug. 7

  • 4:39 a.m.: Convenience store in the 7500 block of NC Highway 751.
  • 8:51 a.m.: Department discount store in the 4100 block of Lumley Road.

What Does The Data Tell Us?

1. Frequency and Distribution:

  • There were 3 reported incidents of commercial robbery during the specified period.
  • These incidents were spread across different types of commercial establishments, including:
    • A specialty store on Fayetteville Road.
    • A convenience store on NC Highway 751.
    • A department discount store on Lumley Road.

2. Timing of Incidents:

  • The timing of these robberies suggests a focus on early morning hours, which is a period when these businesses might be less busy and more vulnerable:
    • The convenience store robbery occurred at 4:39 a.m., indicating that early morning hours could be a targeted time for such crimes.
    • The department discount store robbery occurred at 8:51 a.m., which is still relatively early, possibly before the store becomes fully staffed and operational.

3. Types of Targets:

  • The businesses targeted were retail-oriented, which suggests that cash handling, the presence of valuable merchandise, and possibly less stringent security measures during off-peak hours make these types of businesses attractive targets for robbers.
  • Convenience stores and discount stores are typical targets for robberies due to their long operating hours, smaller staff, and regular cash transactions.

4. Geographic Concentration:

  • The incidents are spread across different areas of South Durham, with no single area being disproportionately affected:
    • Fayetteville Road (specialty store), NC Highway 751 (convenience store), and Lumley Road (department discount store) are geographically dispersed, indicating that commercial robberies are not concentrated in a specific area.

5. Potential Patterns:

  • Although the sample size is small, the timing and types of businesses targeted suggest a pattern where robbers are likely seeking to exploit moments of lower activity, such as early morning hours when fewer people are present, and staff might be less vigilant.
  • The choice of businesses (convenience stores and discount stores) aligns with common trends in commercial robberies, where the perceived ease of access to cash and valuable goods is a significant motivator.

6. Risk Factors:

  • Early morning hours appear to be a particularly vulnerable time for these businesses, likely due to lower staffing levels and fewer customers, which reduces the chance of resistance or immediate reporting.
  • Retail businesses, especially those dealing in cash and smaller, easily transportable items, are at higher risk.

Conclusion:

The data on commercial robberies in South Durham indicates that these crimes are relatively infrequent but targeted at specific types of businesses, particularly those that handle cash and have long hours of operation. The early morning timing of these incidents suggests that businesses might be particularly vulnerable during these hours, and there could be a need for increased security measures during these times. Business owners in the affected areas should consider measures like increasing staff presence during opening hours, improving lighting and surveillance, and possibly implementing cash-handling protocols that reduce the amount of accessible cash on the premises.

Robbery – Individual

July 30

  • 12 a.m.: Highway/road/alley/street in the 2500 block of Ashe Street.

Aug. 5

  • 5:55 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 500 block of Massey Avenue.

Aug. 17

  • 10 p.m.: Convenience store in the 1200 block of Fayetteville Street.
  • 11:04 p.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 2400 block of South Roxboro Street.

What Does The Data Tell Us?

1. Frequency and Distribution:

  • There were 7 reported incidents of robbery targeting individuals during this period.
  • These incidents occurred in a variety of locations, including:
    • Residential Areas: Multi-family homes and single-family homes.
    • Public Spaces: A highway/road, a convenience store, and other outdoor locations.

2. Types of Locations:

  • Residential Areas:
    • Several incidents occurred at or near homes, such as on Massey Avenue (multi-family), South Roxboro Street (single-family), and Medlin Road (multi-family). This suggests that individuals might be targeted near their residences, possibly as they are coming or going.
  • Public Spaces:
    • Robberies also occurred in public spaces, including a street (Ashe Street) and a convenience store on Fayetteville Street. Public space incidents could indicate opportunistic crimes where the victim was targeted in a less secure environment.

3. Timing of Incidents:

  • The timing of these robberies varied, with some occurring late at night or in the early morning, which are typically times when fewer people are around, making it easier for robbers to strike without witnesses:
    • Late Night: Incidents at 12 a.m. (Ashe Street), 10 p.m. (Fayetteville Street), and 11:04 p.m. (South Roxboro Street) indicate that nighttime is a particularly risky time for individuals, likely due to reduced visibility and fewer people in the vicinity.
  • Daytime/Evening: There were also robberies during the day and early evening, such as at 5:55 p.m. on Massey Avenue, showing that individuals are not entirely safe during daylight hours either.

4. Geographic Concentration:

  • The incidents are spread across various areas in South Durham, with no single area being the clear hotspot. However, certain streets, such as South Roxboro Street and Fayetteville Street, are mentioned more than once, suggesting these areas might see more foot traffic or present more opportunities for robbers.

5. Potential Patterns:

  • Residential Proximity: The fact that several robberies occurred near the victims’ homes suggests that individuals may be particularly vulnerable when they are close to or entering their residences. Robbers might be waiting for moments when individuals are distracted or when they are transitioning from their car to their home.
  • Public Spaces: Robberies in public places like streets and convenience stores indicate that individuals are also at risk while they are out running errands or traveling, especially in less populated areas.

6. Risk Factors:

  • Nighttime Activity: The data indicates a higher risk for robberies at night, particularly in less crowded areas or on residential streets. This aligns with general trends where robbers exploit the cover of darkness and the reduced likelihood of intervention.
  • Residential Areas: The occurrence of robberies near homes, especially in multi-family housing areas, suggests that individuals should be cautious when entering or leaving their residences, particularly if they notice unfamiliar or suspicious activity.

Conclusion:

The data on individual robberies in South Durham highlights the risks individuals face, particularly during nighttime and in residential areas. The spread of incidents across different locations suggests that these crimes are opportunistic, with robbers targeting individuals in both public and private settings. Individuals should be particularly cautious when traveling alone at night or when entering or leaving their homes. Simple precautions such as being aware of surroundings, avoiding poorly lit areas, and having keys ready before reaching the door can help reduce the risk of becoming a target. Additionally, increased neighborhood watch activities and improved street lighting in residential areas might help deter such crimes.

Sex Offense – Forcible Rape

July 29

  • 5 p.m.: Hotel/motel in the 5200 block of Page Road.

Aug. 10

  • 8 p.m.: Hotel/motel in the 2500 block of Meridian Parkway.

Aug. 19

  • 4:01 p.m.: Other residence/multi-family in the 200 block of Residence Inn Boulevard.

Sex Offense – Indecent Exposure

July 25

  • 7:30 p.m.: Parking/drop lot/garage in the 3600 block of University Drive.

Sex Offense – Peeping Tom

Aug. 12

  • 10:50 p.m.: 13100 block of Rose Garden Lane.

What Does The Data Tell Us?

1. Types of Offenses:

  • The data includes three types of sex offenses:
    • Forcible Rape: 3 incidents.
    • Indecent Exposure: 1 incident.
    • Peeping Tom: 1 incident.
  • These categories indicate a range of sexual crimes from severe (forcible rape) to less severe but still significant (indecent exposure, peeping tom).

2. Frequency and Distribution:

  • There were five reported incidents of sex offenses in total during this period.
  • The incidents were distributed across different types of locations, including:
    • Hotels/Motels: Two incidents of forcible rape occurred at hotels or motels, one on Page Road and the other on Meridian Parkway.
    • Residential Areas: The other incidents occurred at or near residential areas, including a multi-family residence on Residence Inn Boulevard (forcible rape), a parking lot/garage on University Drive (indecent exposure), and a location on Rose Garden Lane (peeping tom).

3. Timing and Specific Locations:

  • The data does not specify the exact timing for most of these incidents, but the locations provide some insights:
    • Hotels/Motels: The fact that two incidents of forcible rape occurred in hotels/motels suggests that these locations might be vulnerable to such crimes, potentially involving either guests or visitors to the area. Hotels/motels might be targeted due to the transient nature of their occupants, which can sometimes lead to a lack of accountability or monitoring.
    • Residential Areas: The presence of sex offenses in residential areas, including a multi-family residence and a parking lot/garage, indicates that individuals are at risk even near their homes or in what might typically be considered safe environments.

4. Geographic Concentration:

  • The incidents are spread across South Durham, with no single area standing out as a hotspot, although:
    • University Drive: The indecent exposure incident occurred here, which might suggest that public or semi-public spaces in this area could be at risk.
    • Rose Garden Lane: The peeping tom incident indicates that certain residential areas might experience privacy-related crimes, which can cause significant distress and fear among residents.

5. Potential Patterns:

  • Hotels/Motels as Vulnerable Locations: The data suggests that hotels and motels might be more vulnerable to severe sex offenses like forcible rape, possibly due to the anonymity and transient nature of these environments.
  • Residential Vulnerability: The incidents in residential areas, including a peeping tom case, suggest that sex offenses can happen close to home, often in places where individuals might feel most secure.

6. Risk Factors:

  • Transient and Public Spaces: Locations that cater to transient populations (like hotels) or have less oversight (like parking lots) appear to be at higher risk for sex offenses.
  • Residential Safety: The presence of sex offenses in residential settings indicates a need for heightened awareness and potentially better security measures, such as improved lighting, secure entryways, and community vigilance.

Conclusion:

The data on sex offenses in South Durham highlights the risk of these crimes in both transient (hotels/motels) and residential settings. The incidents of forcible rape in hotels/motels suggest that these environments might require additional security measures or awareness programs. Meanwhile, the offenses in residential areas underline the importance of community awareness and proactive safety measures to protect residents. Although the overall number of incidents is relatively low, the impact of these crimes is significant, and steps should be taken to ensure that both transient visitors and permanent residents feel safe in their environments. Enhanced security, community watch programs, and awareness campaigns could help mitigate the risk of sex offenses in these areas.

Theft

July 25

  • 1:22 p.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 5400 block of Middleton Road.

July 26

  • 8:30 p.m.: Restaurant in the 1100 block of NC Highway 54.

July 29

  • 12 a.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 100 block of Laurel Oaks Drive.

July 30

  • 9 p.m.: Home of victim/single family on Forest Glen Drive.

July 31

  • 1:14 p.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 1200 block of Grandover Drive.
  • 3 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 200 block of Residence Inn Boulevard.
  • 10 p.m.: Other residence/multi family in the 100 block of Lynn Forest Drive.

Aug. 1

  • Noon: Home of victim/multi family in the 5100 block of Copper Ridge Drive.

Aug. 2

  • 12:26 a.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 5900 block of Tattersall Drive.
  • 6:30 p.m.: Hotel/motel in the 200 block of Residence Inn Boulevard.

Aug. 3

  • 12:30 a.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 4300 block of Waterford Valley Drive.
  • 1 p.m.: Construction site on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard.

Aug. 4

  • 12 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 200 block of Molesworth Drive.

Aug. 5

  • 6 p.m.: Construction site in the 600 block of NC Highway 54 and Squirrel Hollow Lane.

Aug. 6

  • 11:03 a.m.: Auto dealership in the 1000 block of Southpoint Auto Park Boulevard.
  • 9:44 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 1700 block of Country Lane.

Aug. 8

  • 8 p.m.: Rental storage facility in the 7100 block of NC Highway 751.

Aug. 9

  • 9:26 a.m.: Specialty/store in the 4100 block of South Alston Avenue.

Aug. 10

  • 3 a.m.: Bar/nightclub in the 2200 block of NC Highway 54 East.

Aug. 12

  • 11:58 a.m.: Specialty/store in the 1000 block of Ellis Road.
  • 4:30 p.m.: Home of victim/multi family in the 5000 block of South Alston Avenue.

Aug. 13

  • 1:41 a.m.: Home of offender/multi family in the 3600 block of University Drive.
  • 3 a.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 1300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway.
  • 9:33 p.m.: Drug store/doctors office/hospital in the 2100 block of NC Highway 54 East.

Aug. 15

  • 12 a.m.: Home of victim/single family in the 200 block of Kayleen Court.

Aug. 16

  • 12:15 a.m.: Home of victim/single family on Forest Creek Road.
  • 12:15 p.m.: Industrial site in the 4000 block of Stirrup Creek Drive.

Aug. 19

  • 1:59 a.m.: Construction site in the 5600 block of Primary Drive.
  • 6 p.m.: Construction site in the 5500 block of Farrington Road.

Aug. 22

  • 1:21 p.m.: Department discount store in the 1800 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway.

What Does The Data Tell Us?

1. Frequency and Distribution:

  • There were 29 reported incidents of theft during this period, making it the most frequently reported type of crime in the data.
  • The incidents occurred across a wide variety of locations, including:
    • Residential Areas: Both single-family and multi-family homes.
    • Commercial Establishments: Restaurants, hotels/motels, construction sites, auto dealerships, and retail stores.
    • Public and Semi-Public Spaces: Parking lots, construction sites, and storage facilities.

2. Types of Locations:

  • Residential Thefts:
    • Many thefts occurred at residential locations, indicating that homes are frequent targets. This includes incidents at single-family homes on streets like Middleton Road and Forest Glen Drive, as well as multi-family residences on Laurel Oaks Drive and Tattersall Drive.
  • Commercial and Public Space Thefts:
    • Thefts from commercial establishments were also common, including restaurants on NC Highway 54, hotels/motels on Residence Inn Boulevard, and construction sites on Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard and other locations. Retail spaces like auto dealerships and stores were also targeted.
    • Thefts from public or semi-public spaces, such as parking lots and storage facilities, suggest that these areas might be vulnerable due to less surveillance or oversight.

3. Timing of Incidents:

  • The timing of thefts varies widely, occurring at different times of the day and night:
    • Early Morning and Late Night Thefts: Some thefts occurred late at night or early in the morning, such as the 12:26 a.m. theft on Tattersall Drive and the 3 a.m. theft at a bar/nightclub on NC Highway 54 East. These times may indicate that thieves are targeting properties when they expect fewer people to be present or when visibility is low.
    • Daytime Thefts: Daytime incidents, like those at construction sites and residential properties during the afternoon, suggest that thieves might take advantage of periods when properties are less guarded or when residents are at work.

4. Geographic Concentration:

  • The incidents are spread across South Durham, with no single area standing out as a major hotspot. However, certain streets and areas appear more frequently in the data:
    • NC Highway 54: Several incidents, including at restaurants, bars, and construction sites, suggest that this area might be particularly vulnerable to theft.
    • Residence Inn Boulevard: Multiple incidents, including thefts at hotels/motels and multi-family residences, indicate that this area might be at higher risk, possibly due to the mix of transient and residential populations.

5. Types of Items Targeted:

While the specific items stolen are not detailed, the wide range of targeted locations suggests that thieves may be looking for easily transportable and valuable items such as electronics, tools from construction sites, and personal belongings from homes and vehicles.

6. Potential Patterns:

  • Opportunistic Thefts: The diversity of locations and times suggests that many of these thefts are opportunistic, with thieves taking advantage of moments when properties are left unsecured or when surveillance is low.
  • Targeting of Commercial and Public Spaces: Thefts from construction sites, auto dealerships, and retail stores point to a focus on areas where valuable goods might be stored or displayed, often with less security outside business hours.

7. Risk Factors:

  • Poorly Secured Properties: Residential areas, particularly those with less visibility or fewer security measures, appear to be at risk. Similarly, public spaces like parking lots and construction sites are vulnerable due to lower levels of surveillance and security.
  • High Traffic Areas: Areas like NC Highway 54, which sees significant traffic and a mix of commercial and residential activity, might be more attractive to thieves due to the ease of access and anonymity.

Conclusion:

The data on thefts in South Durham indicates that this is a widespread issue affecting both residential and commercial properties, as well as public spaces. Thefts are occurring at all times of day, with a significant number happening at residential locations, particularly multi-family residences. The diversity of locations suggests that thefts are largely opportunistic, with thieves targeting areas where they perceive lower risks of getting caught, such as poorly lit areas, properties with minimal security, and commercial spaces during off-hours. Residents and business owners should consider enhancing security measures, such as installing better lighting and surveillance cameras, and securing valuables to mitigate the risk of theft. Public awareness campaigns and increased community vigilance could also help reduce these incidents.

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