PORT CHARLOTTE- Crime in Charlotte County is up nearly 4 percent this year, compared to the same time in 2016. That includes thefts as well as violent crime.
It’s the first time crime has risen under Sheriff Bill Prummell. in each of his first four years on the job, crime had dropped in each consecutive year. A spokesman for the sheriff’s office said the increase in crime doesn’t necessarily mean there are more crimes being committed.
They told News 2 an increase in community policing means more people are reporting whatever crimes they see occurring.