The largest city in Western North Carolina is struggling to keep law and order, as crime rates continue to climb. The City Of Asheville saw violent crime numbers surge 31% between 2016 and the end of 2020. Those same stats rose another 17% prior to the end of last year, reaching historical highs.
The latest numbers put Asheville in the top 10 percent nationally for most violent cities. Fox News released a piece on Asheville's crime issues earlier this year. In their report, they cited many law enforcement sources, many speaking anonymously who cited factors for the increased crime.
The Asheville Police Department and Buncombe County Sheriff's Office has reported a major reduction in the their number of officers in recent years.
Many in Western North Carolina's law enforcement community also put blame on the relaxed stance on crime by Asheville's liberal leadership.
Another reason cited was the alleged increase in the activity and presence of Mexican drug cartels in the Asheville area, in recent years.





