10 Worst Cities in North Carolina for Business Crime & Security (2025)

We recently published a widely-read analysis of South Carolina’s Worst Cities for Business Crime & Security (2025) . Now, in this exclusive GenX Security Solutions report, we turn our focus to North Carolina’s most dangerous cities for businesses in 2025. Behind the crime statistics are real risks that impact local companies daily. From break-ins and theft to workplace violence and even employee-related crimes, these challenges don’t just affect residents; they hit North Carolina's business owners, employees, and entire industries hard.

In this report, we break down the top 10 North Carolina cities with the highest commercial crime rates using the latest data. We’ll explore:

• 🏚️ Property Crimes: How theft, burglary, and vandalism are impacting businesses across North Carolina’s cities.

• ⚠️ Workplace Violence: Where assaults, robberies and safety threats are putting employees at risk on the job.

• 🕵️ Insider Theft: How internal (employee-related) crimes erode profitability and trust in certain locales.

• 📊 City-by-City Crime Trends: Clear insights on which industries are most at risk in each location, and why.

• 🏭 Industries Hit Hardest: From manufacturing to retail, discover which business sectors face the greatest threats in each city.

• 🔐 Proven Security Solutions: How businesses are responding – from advanced video surveillance and access control systems to alarm monitoring – to safeguard people and property.

• 💡 Quick Security Tips: Actionable steps local businesses can take immediately for a big impact in high-crime areas.

Is your North Carolina business located in one of these cities? Read on to understand the risks and learn how companies are fighting back, along with our suggestions on how to make your North Carolina business as secure as possible.

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10. Pineville, NC – Big Retail, Small Town, Huge Retail Crime Rate

Pineville may be a small suburban town of about 9,000 on Charlotte’s outskirts, but it tops North Carolina in one startling category: property crime. With a major shopping mall and dozens of big-box retailers, Pineville sees an excessive property crime rate of roughly 124 incidents per 1,000 people – giving it the highest overall crime rate in the state (approximately 132 per 1,000 when combining violent and property crimes), most notably:

• The sheer volume of shoplifting, burglary, and vehicle break-ins in Pineville is a serious concern for business owners.

• Thieves frequently target Pineville’s retail centers, taking advantage of the heavy shopper traffic drawn from the Charlotte metro region.

👥 Population of Pineville, NC: ~9,000 (Mecklenburg County)

📊 Crime Rate of Pineville, NC: ~131.9 per 1,000 people (violent crime ~7.5, property crime ~124 per 1,000) – the highest per-capita crime rate in NC, driven by retail theft.

🏭 Major Industries in Pineville, NC

Retail shopping (Carolina Place Mall and surrounding big-box stores), hospitality (hotels serving Charlotte visitors), and healthcare (hospital and clinics).

🚨 Notable Business Crime Issues in Pineville, NC

The following incidents underscore how a small town can generate outsized crime numbers due to a high concentration of shopping targets...

• Organized retail theft and shoplifting are rampant.

• Mall stores have been hit by smash-and-grab robberies – for example, an attempted smash-and-grab at a Pineville jewelry store in early 2024.

• Even the mall parking lots have seen violence; in one incident, a person was shot and robbed during a sale meetup in the Carolina Place Mall parking lot.

🔒 Security Measures of Pineville, NC Businesses

Pineville’s retailers haven’t stood idle. Nearly all major stores employ:

• Robust HD video surveillance and inventory control systems are practically mandatory.

• On-site security guards (many hire off-duty police) to deter theft.

• The mall has its own security force and has upgraded lighting and camera coverage in parking areas after the well-publicized parking lot robbery.

• Pineville Police have set specific goals to reduce crimes at Carolina Place Mall by increasing patrols and using camera surveillance trailers in the area.

• Retail businesses are also investing in technologies like electronic article surveillance tags and access-controlled display cases (for high-value goods) to thwart shoplifters.

💡 Security Tips for Pineville’s Businesses from GenX Security Solutions

In retail-heavy areas like Pineville, GenX Security's North Carolina office suggests the following...

• Integrate real-time video surveillance and monitoring with retail analytics such as AI-based theft detection.

• Controlled access to stockrooms can significantly reduce shoplifting losses and quickly alert authorities to incidents.

• Deploy solar mobile surveillance trailers with intrusion detection, alarms, and real-time alerts in parking lots for 24/7/365 monitoring

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9. Asheville, NC – Tourism Boom Meets Rising Theft

Asheville, North Carolina is renowned as a tourism and cultural hotspot in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but its popularity has come with an increase in crime that affects local businesses. Each year, Asheville sees hundreds of burglaries, vehicle break-ins, and shop thefts that are often clustered in the busy downtown and tourist areas. High-profile incidents and persistent “quality-of-life” crimes have put Asheville in the spotlight as one of the state’s most challenging business environments.

👥 Population of Asheville, NC: ~94,000 (Buncombe County)

📊 Crime Rate of Asheville, NC: ~70.7 per 1,000 people (violent crime ~7.4, property crime ~63.3). Property crime in Asheville has been among the highest in NC, though recent data show slight improvements amid increased enforcement.

🏭 Major Industries in Asheville, NC

Tourism and hospitality (hotels, restaurants, craft breweries), retail (artisan shops, galleries), healthcare (Mission Hospital), and education. A thriving arts scene and year-round festivals draw visitors, and opportunistic criminals.

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Asheville, NC

Downtown business break-ins have been a major issue, even as Asheville’s violent crime saw a dip in 2024–2025.

• Reports of trespassing, vandalism, and theft in commercial areas have persisted.

• The Asheville Police Department noted that while property crimes in 2024 were lower than prior years, they are solving far fewer of those that do occur, from 85% solved to just 57%.

• Local business owners have felt the impact: “Nobody wants to show up to work and see things destroyed. You feel violated,” said one downtown restaurant owner after experiencing a break-in.

• Additionally, the city has grappled with issues related to homelessness and drug activity downtown, which can lead to vandalism and aggressive panhandling that deter customers.

🔒 Security Measures of Asheville, NC Businesses

In response, Asheville’s business community and authorities have teamed up.

• Police have increased foot patrols and visibility downtown, and community teams address disturbances to improve the atmosphere.

• Many bars, breweries, and shops have installed high-resolution security cameras covering their entrances and installed alarm systems that notify police of after-hours break-ins.

• Given Asheville’s spread-out tourist venues (from downtown to Biltmore Village), several companies have deployed mobile surveillance units and extra lighting during big events to extend coverage where fixed cameras are lacking.

• The hospitality sector, including hotels and B&Bs, have also tightened access control – using keycard locks, on-site guards, and even guest screening – to ensure visitor safety.

💡 Security Tips for Asheville’s Businesses from GenX Security Solutions 

Our GenX Security Solutions North Carolina office suggests the following for Ashville, NC business security...

• In a tourism-driven city, invest in a comprehensive camera network for your business – and coordinate with neighboring businesses to cover blind spots.

• Cloud-based video surveillance that you can monitor remotely (even from a smartphone) helps catch after-hours intruders in real time.

• Also consider access control systems for any facility hosting guests or large crowds, to keep trouble out and quickly lock down areas if needed.

• Deploy solar powered mobile surveillance trailers for big outdoor venues and in parking lots for security that never sleeps.

Features of GenX Security Solutions Mobile Surveillance Trailers

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8. Goldsboro, NC – Robberies and Poverty Challenges in an Industrial Hub

Goldsboro, North Carolina is a mid-sized city (~34,000 people) known for hosting Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and a number of manufacturing and distribution companies. But it also contends with a crime rate around 66 per 1,000 that makes it one of North Carolina’s more dangerous business locales. Property crimes (nearly 58 per 1,000) including burglary, vehicle theft, and shoplifting are a daily concern – especially in economically struggling neighborhoods. For local businesses, this means a persistent threat of armed robberies, break-ins, and theft of equipment or inventory.

👥 Population of Goldsboro, NC: ~34,000 (Wayne County)

📊 Crime Rate of Goldsboro, NC: ~66.1 per 1,000 people (violent crime ~7.8, property crime ~58.3), The violent crime rate (~1,508 per 100k in one recent analysis) is about 285% above the NC average, indicating a high robbery and assault problem.

🏭 Major Industries in Goldsboro, NC

Military (Air Force base with thousands of personnel), manufacturing (metal fabrication, food processing), logistics/warehousing, healthcare (UNC Wayne hospital), and retail serving the local community and base families.

🚨 Notable Business Crime Issues in Goldsboro, NC

Goldsboro’s struggles are tied to poverty (24%+) and unemployment (~5%), which contribute to high crime. Goldsboro’s overall crime rate is higher than many NC cities of similar size, underscoring that economic challenges are translating into more theft and violence.

• Armed robberies at convenience stores and gas stations are a threat, especially overnight.

• Organized theft rings have targeted retail outlets in Goldsboro, taking advantage of sometimes limited security at smaller shops.

• In some neighborhoods, break-ins at businesses after hours are frequent – thieves steal tools, electronics, even copper wiring.

• The city’s transient military population can also impact crime patterns; the influx and exit of people mean some rental areas see high burglary rates when homes or apartments are left vacant.

🔒 Security Measures of Goldsboro, NC Businesses

Many employers in Goldsboro have responded with robust security protocols.

• The close proximity to the military base has resulted in many banks and credit unions upgrading to bullet-resistant glass and video surveillance camera systems, knowing military payroll days can attract criminals.

• The local hospital employs a dedicated security force, with surveillance cameras throughout the campus and metal detectors in ER entrances (a lesson learned from other cities’ hospital incidents).

• Industrial businesses in Goldsboro’s warehouses have installed perimeter fencing, access-controlled gates, and alarm systems to protect valuable equipment.

• Small businesses, recognizing police resources are stretched, often utilize monitored alarm systems that directly alert law enforcement or private security on activation.

• In fact, Goldsboro police credit several arrests to store owners sharing surveillance footage of burglaries, highlighting how investing in good cameras can pay off.

💡 Security Tips for Goldsboro’s Businesses from GenX Security

Our GenX Security Solutions North Carolina office suggests the following to enhance the security at your Goldsboro, NC business...

• Integrate your on-site security measures (like alarms and cameras) with proactive policies. For example, stagger your cash drops/deposits at unpredictable times and use smart safes – this reduces the incentive for robbers targeting stores on known delivery days.

• In high-crime areas, consider panic button systems for employees, which can silently signal police during an armed robbery or violent incident.

• With high armed robbery rates, consider advanced video surveillance with smart sensors with weapon detection capabilities.

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7. Whiteville, NC – Rural Crossroads with Sky-High Theft Rates

Whiteville, North Carolina is a small city of about 5,300 in southeastern North Carolina (Columbus County) that paradoxically has one of the highest property crime rates in the state. Situated along major routes between Wilmington and I-95, Whiteville serves as a commercial hub for rural communities – and its businesses suffer a property crime rate of 9,603 per 100,000 residents (about 96 per 1,000). Everything from store burglaries and shoplifting to car break-ins contribute to that staggering number. For local merchants – whether it’s the downtown shops or highway truck stops – the risk of theft and vandalism is a daily reality.

👥 Population of Whiteville, NC: ~5,350 (Columbus County)

📊 Crime Rate of Whiteville, NC: ~109.9 per 1,000 people (violent crime ~11.7, property crime ~95.3). Whiteville has the second-highest property crime rate of any NC city, and experiences about 3.2 violent crimes per day on average despite its small size.

🏭 Major Industries in Whiteville, NC

Retail and services for a rural region (Whiteville hosts big-box stores and restaurants serving travelers), agriculture-related businesses, healthcare (Columbus Regional hospital), and some tourism from nearby Lake Waccamaw. The annual North Carolina Pecan Festival in Whiteville also draws crowds each fall.

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Whiteville, NC

One area stands out above the rest and that is theft and burglary are pervasive. Contributing factors include economic hardship in the area and proximity to major transit routes (making quick getaways easy). Drug-related crime (like theft to support opioid habits) has also been reported by Whiteville police as a driver of property offenses.

• Shoplifting incidents plague local retailers, and Whiteville’s stores have been targets for organized retail crime groups moving along the highways.

• After-hours burglaries are common – thieves have struck pharmacies for drugs and equipment, and stolen ATMs from gas stations.

• Vehicle crimes are also a headache; it’s not uncommon for cars in hotel or restaurant parking lots to be broken into or even stolen while travelers stop in town.

🔒 Security Measures of Whiteville, NC Businesses

Whiteville’s business owners have taken a proactive stance. Despite limited resources, these combined efforts have started to stabilize Whiteville’s crime growth.

• Many stores on Main Street joined a business watch program, sharing information on suspicious activity and pooling funds for additional street lighting and CCTV cameras downtown.

• Convenience stores and fast-food restaurants (frequent robbery targets) have installed high-definition CCTV with remote monitoring, so even if local police response is spread thin, store owners or security companies can keep watch 24/7.

• Some businesses, after repeated break-ins, upgraded to reinforced doors, security grilles, and bollards (to stop ram-raids on storefronts).

• The community has also leaned on technology: Whiteville police have a few license plate recognition cameras at city entry points, which have helped in tracking down stolen vehicles and suspects fleeing town.

• During big events like the Pecan Festival, temporary mobile surveillance camera trailers and increased patrols are brought in to protect vendors and attendees.

💡 Security Tips for Whiteville’s Businesses from GenX Security Solutions 

In small cities with high crime, community cooperation is key. Our GenX Security Solutions North Carolina office suggests the following:

• Connect your security camera system with nearby businesses (some towns create a camera registry for police). This way, if an incident happens, law enforcement can quickly review multiple angles.

• Also, use visible deterrents – alarm stickers, convex mirrors, bright motion-triggered lights – to make thieves think twice. Often, they’ll move on to an “easier” target if your business looks well-secured.

Click to read our related post on the importance of having your entire security suite integrated.

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6. Laurinburg, NC – Small City, Big Crime Problems

Laurinburg, North Carolina is home to around 15,000 people near the South Carolina border. While Laurinburg might be known as the “City of Beautiful Trees” for its charming appearance, it battles some of the highest crime rates in North Carolina. Laurinburg’s violent crime rate is roughly 3.5 times the state average, placing it among NC’s most dangerous cities for assaults and robberies. Aggravated assaults in particular are high. Property crime is also a constant concern, with frequent break-ins at businesses and homes. Despite community pride and active neighborhood watch programs, Laurinburg’s crime issues (often linked to gang activity and poverty in the area) have earned it a spot in the top five on our list.

👥 Population of Laurinburg, NC: ~15,000 (Scotland County)

📊 Crime Rate of Laurinburg, NC: ~348% above the state average for violent crime (e.g. if NC’s average is ~391/100k, Laurinburg’s violent crime is in the vicinity of 1,750 per 100k). Property crime rates are also high (though not record-breaking), keeping Laurinburg in the worst-tier cities for total crime.

🏭 Major Industries in Laurinburg, NC

Light manufacturing (textiles, automotive parts), education (St. Andrews University), agriculture, and some retail/hospitality. Laurinburg’s location on U.S. 74 makes it a pit stop for travelers, and it has an industrial park that houses several factories.

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Laurinburg, NC

Laurinburg has gang-related activity that drives up its violent crime numbers – rival groups have been linked to shootings and armed robberies. Laurinburg’s challenges are compounded by being in one of NC’s poorest counties (Scotland County), where unemployment and lack of opportunities contribute to crime.

• For businesses, armed robbery is a top threat: small shops, gas stations, and even fast-food restaurants have been hit by robbers, especially in the late evening.

• Property crimes also bite into the community – for instance, shoplifting and theft are frequent in local stores, and thieves have targeted school campuses and churches for electronics and metal (copper wire/AC unit theft).

🔒 Security Measures of Laurinburg, NC Businesses

Businesses here understand that visibility and community ties can deter crime. Many have improved outdoor lighting and trimmed landscaping to eliminate hiding spots. Simply put, in Laurinburg, everyone knows everyone – and businesses leverage that by staying alert and reporting suspicious behavior quickly. Deploying security technology augments these community efforts.

• Laurinburg’s police and local Chamber of Commerce launched a “Safe City” initiative encouraging businesses to install visible surveillance cameras – you’ll now see many storefronts downtown sporting camera systems as a deterrent.

• During off-hours, some companies contract roving security patrols and a few mobile surveillance trailers to check on properties (especially warehouses at the industrial park).

• St. Andrews University has beefed up campus security with ID card access control for dorms and academic buildings, plus emergency call boxes and cameras, after incidents of theft and a high-profile armed robbery near campus.

• More businesses are investing in alarm systems that are linked to their smartphones, so a shop owner can get instant alerts and even live video if an alarm trips after hours.

💡 Security Tips for Laurinburg’s Businesses from GenX Security Solutions

Our North Carolina office here at GenX Security suggests the following for Laurinburg's businesses:

• Use your small-town network to your advantage. Form or join a Business Crime Watch group if one exists – collaborative efforts can push out criminal elements.

• Consider gunfire detection sensors if your area is prone to shootings (these systems alert police to gunshots faster than 911 calls).

• For retail stores, look into a time-delay safe (for cash deposits) is a low-cost tool that discourages robbers – they know employees can’t immediately open the safe, limiting the haul from a robbery.

• At industrial parks, warehouses, and on campuses the deployment of mobile surveillance trailers with motion detection, AI enhanced cameras, and alarms are not only a ruggedized deterrent but a guard that never sleeps and can alert you of activity right away.

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5. Raleigh, NC – Fast Growth, Rising Business Crime

Raleigh is North Carolina’s capital and one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast. The city is known for its universities, booming tech sector, and strong job market. But its rapid expansion has brought an increase in business-targeted crime. While Raleigh is not as violent per capita as Durham or smaller high-crime towns, the sheer volume of commercial crime affects a far greater number of businesses. With Raleigh’s population expected to continue climbing, business owners must stay proactive about security to protect staff, customers, and assets.

• Retail corridors across the city have seen spikes in organized retail theft, shoplifting, commercial break-ins, and auto-related theft.

• Nightlife districts such as Glenwood South have also reported increases in assaults and disturbances impacting employees who work late hours.

• There is a rise in workplace-violence incidents across healthcare, hospitality, and government sectors.

👥 Population of Raleigh, NC: ~480,000 (Wake County)

📊 Crime Rate of Raleigh, NC: Approximately 40.9 crimes per 1,000 residents, with property crime making up the majority. Commercial burglary, shoplifting, catalytic-converter theft, and after-hours break-ins are among the most frequently reported business crime categories. Violent crime remains lower than in nearby cities like Durham, but has increased in certain nightlife and retail zones, putting late-shift workers at greater risk.

🏭 Major Industries in Raleigh, NC

Technology and software companies, biotech and pharmaceuticals, state government offices, higher education (NC State University), major retail centers, hospitality and nightlife districts, and a rapidly growing logistics and warehousing sector along I-40 and I-540.

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh’s most significant business-crime threats involve organized retail theft rings, repeat shoplifting offenders, and commercial burglaries targeting electronics, cosmetics, power tools, and other high-value merchandise.

• Shopping areas such as Crabtree Valley Mall, Triangle Town Center, and the Capital Boulevard retail corridor have all reported ongoing theft patterns.

• Catalytic converter theft is also a recurring issue, especially in business parking lots and fleet yards. Several districts have noted increases in car break-ins affecting both customers and employees.

• Workplace-violence incidents have impacted hospitals, clinics, and hospitality venues, with staff reporting threats, physical altercations, and disorderly conduct from patrons.

• In the Glenwood South nightlife district, fights, assaults, and disturbances have caused operational challenges for bars and restaurants, and some venues have shortened hours or increased staffing in response.

• Meanwhile, industrial parks and distribution hubs have dealt with theft of materials, tools, and cargo, particularly around facilities with limited nighttime security coverage.

🔒 Security Measures of Raleigh, NC Businesses

Raleigh businesses are increasingly investing in high-resolution video surveillance, AI-enhanced analytics, and remote monitoring to guard against theft and break-ins. Raleigh Police Department and local business associations have also coordinated task forces focused on organized retail crime, encouraging businesses to report incidents quickly so patterns can be identified and targeted.

• Major retailers have adopted AI enhanced smart surveillance systems that can identify repeat offenders, detect suspicious motions, and alert staff in real time.

• Restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues have boosted security with ID scanners, improved lighting, panic buttons, and designated security staff during peak hours.

• Healthcare facilities and university-adjacent businesses have also strengthened access control, adding badge-only entry, interior surveillance cameras, and duress alarms to protect employees.

• Industrial and logistics sites frequently use license plate recognition, perimeter fencing, motion-activated lighting, and cloud-based access control to limit unauthorized entry and deter cargo theft.

💡 Security Tips for Raleigh’s Businesses from GenX Security Solutions

Our North Carolina office recommends the following strategies for Raleigh’s growing commercial sectors to significantly reduce risk and help Raleigh businesses stay ahead of growing crime trends across the metro area:

• Use AI-enhanced video surveillance to track theft patterns and improve after-hours monitoring in retail districts and commercial plazas.

• Upgrade access control systems in workplaces with late-shift employees (hospitals, restaurants, government buildings) to prevent unauthorized entry.

• Consider license plate recognition (LPR) cameras for shopping centers, fleet yards, and logistics hubs to deter vehicle-related crimes and capture useful evidence.

• Install panic buttons or mobile duress devices in hospitality, healthcare, and customer-facing businesses where volatile situations may arise.

• Deploy mobile surveillance trailers in large parking lots or industrial parks that experience overnight theft or have limited lighting.

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4. Durham, NC – High Violent Crime in a Major Business Hub

Durham, North Carolina is a major anchor of the Research Triangle and home to Duke University, large hospitals, biotech firms, and a bustling startup ecosystem. The city continues to experience rapid growth, but alongside this expansion, Durham faces some of the highest violent-crime rates among large cities in North Carolina. Businesses of all types, from nightlife venues to offices and industrial sites, now need stronger security to stay ahead of Durham’s persistent crime challenges.

• Durham’s issue is the intensity of violent crime, which directly impacts business districts, employees, and customers.

• Restaurants, retailers, and service businesses across Durham report elevated risks from robberies, shootings near commercial corridors, and vehicle break-ins in employee and customer parking lots.

• Several business zones near downtown, as well as areas like Guess Road and Roxboro Street, have experienced repeated incidents that affect operating hours, insurance costs, and employee safety.

👥 Population of Durham, NC: ~325,000 (Durham County)

📊 Crime Rate of Durham, NC: Violent-crime levels remain significantly above the state average. Aggravated assaults and shootings are among the most common serious offenses affecting commercial areas. Property crimes such as commercial burglary, auto break-ins, theft of tools and equipment, and organized retail theft also impact a wide range of businesses.

🏭 Major Industries in Durham, NC

Healthcare and hospitals (Duke Health), biotechnology and life sciences, higher education, software and technology startups, restaurants and hospitality, major retail centers, and research institutions throughout the Research Triangle.

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Durham, NC

Durham’s most serious business-crime concerns involve armed robbery, gun violence, and high-risk incidents near commercial corridors.

• Businesses near downtown and busy roads like Roxboro Street, Holloway Street, and Guess Road have seen repeated robberies and break-ins, particularly at small restaurants, convenience stores, and late-night establishments.

• Nightlife areas have experienced an uptick in disturbances, assaults, and street-level violence that spill onto business properties. This has led some restaurants and bars to modify hours, hire more staff, or add security personnel.

• Contractors, construction firms, and industrial businesses frequently report theft of tools, copper wiring, catalytic converters, and equipment from yards, trucks, or worksites.

• Retailers face recurring issues with shoplifting, smash-and-grab theft, and repeat offenders. Shopping centers in and around Durham have noted patterns of theft that require more aggressive prevention strategies.

• Auto break-ins are common in parking lots outside gyms, offices, and shopping plazas, affecting both employees and customers and increasing liability and staffing challenges.

🔒 Security Measures of Durham, NC Businesses

Durham businesses are increasingly implementing high-resolution indoor and outdoor camera systems, especially models designed to capture clear images at night and during fast-moving incidents.

• Retail stores have adopted AI-enhanced surveillance systems to identify suspicious behaviors, track repeat offenders, and improve theft prevention.

• Restaurants, breweries, and nightlife venues utilize ID verification systems, panic buttons, improved lighting, and designated security personnel to help protect late-shift employees.

• Hospitals, clinics, and university-adjacent businesses have strengthened badge-controlled entry and installed duress alarms and interior cameras after increases in workplace-violence incidents.

• Industrial, manufacturing, and commercial sites often rely on motion-activated lighting, perimeter fencing, license plate recognition cameras, and remote monitoring services to secure equipment and cargo after hours.

💡 Security Tips for Durham’s Businesses from GenX Security Solutions

Our North Carolina team recommends the following strategies to help Durham businesses significantly reduce risk and protect their operations:

• Use high-resolution video surveillance with AI analytics to detect suspicious activity and improve coverage of parking lots, back entrances, and loading areas.

• Strengthen access control systems for employee-only spaces, especially in offices, medical facilities, and any business with high-value inventory or sensitive information.

• Consider panic buttons or mobile duress devices for staff in hospitality, healthcare, and retail environments where confrontational or high-risk situations may occur.

• Deploy license plate recognition (LPR) cameras or mobile surveillance trailers in high-traffic or high-risk areas to deter theft, identify vehicles involved in incidents, and monitor remote or under-lit sections of commercial properties.

• Improve exterior lighting and reduce blind spots near windows and doors to help prevent ambush-style robberies and break-ins, a recurring issue in several Durham commercial zones.

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3. Henderson, NC – High Violence in the “City of Medicine”

Henderson, North Carolina is a small city of roughly 15,000 people in Vance County, located about 40 minutes north of Durham. Despite its modest size, Henderson consistently ranks among the most violent cities in North Carolina, with a violent-crime rate more than 3.6 times the state average. It has even been labeled the state’s “murder capital” in past years due to persistently high homicide numbers.

Property crime is also widespread, including frequent burglaries, car thefts, and theft of building components like copper and HVAC units. These issues place heavy strain on Henderson’s business community, which already faces challenges tied to economic decline, vacant commercial buildings, and limited evening foot traffic. For many employers, safety concerns are part of daily operations, from armed robberies and vandalism to after-hours break-ins.

👥 Population of Henderson, NC: ~15,100 (Vance County)

📊 Crime Rate of Henderson, NC: Approximately 71.9 crimes per 1,000 residents, including a violent-crime rate of about 18.3 per 1,000 people. Violent crime is over 369 percent higher than the NC average. Local data suggests Henderson sees more than five violent crimes per day, a staggering figure for such a small city.

🏭 Major Industries in Henderson, NC

Historically home to textile and pharmaceutical manufacturing, Henderson has seen many of its major factories close. Today, leading employers include healthcare facilities such as Maria Parham Hospital, regional retail centers, logistics and warehousing operations, and small manufacturing companies positioned near the I-85 corridor.

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Henderson, NC

Gun violence remains one of Henderson’s most serious and persistent issues. The city regularly reports some of the highest murder and aggravated-assault rates in North Carolina, with police often attributing shootings to gang activity and drug-related conflicts. Rising insurance premiums have become an added burden for small businesses trying to operate in high-crime zones.

• For businesses, this creates nighttime safety risks, frequent armed robberies, and incidents where stray bullets have struck commercial buildings after hours.

• Vacant or poorly maintained structures in downtown Henderson have become hotspots for break-ins and vandalism.

• Thieves have stolen HVAC systems from rooftops for scrap metal and repeatedly targeted the same convenience stores and gas stations for lottery tickets, cigarettes, and cash.

• Vehicle-related crime is also frequent, with car break-ins and thefts impacting both employees and customers.

🔒 Security Measures of Henderson, NC Businesses

Both the city and local businesses have taken action to improve safety. Henderson has sought revitalization grants to tear down abandoned buildings, add new lighting, and reduce areas where criminal activity can hide. Businesses have responded by adopting earlier closing times, especially restaurants and convenience stores that once operated late into the night.

• Nearly every gas station, liquor store, and small retail shop now uses multiple surveillance cameras, hold-up alarms, and in some cases, armed security guards during peak crime hours.

• Large retailers along the outskirts of the city partner with local police by sharing real-time parking-lot camera feeds to help curb vehicle break-ins.

• In some high-risk neighborhoods, community groups and businesses have collaborated to install gunshot detection technology, allowing law enforcement to respond more quickly to shootings.

• Industrial facilities have invested in badge-only access systems, perimeter fencing, and secure storage solutions to protect equipment and materials from theft.

💡 Security Tips for Henderson’s Businesses from GenX Security Solutions

In a city with such high violent-crime pressures, our North Carolina office recommends the following:

• Provide regular employee safety training, including robbery-response procedures, de-escalation techniques, and instructions for discreet alarm use.

• Invest in reinforced entry points, including strengthened door frames, commercial-grade locks, and laminated or reinforced glass to slow or deter forced entry attempts.

• Consider hiring or sharing a private security patrol among nearby businesses, which can significantly reduce nighttime risks through increased visibility.

• Use monitored alarm systems paired with remote-access cameras so you can receive instant alerts and watch live footage if an incident occurs after hours.

• For stores operating into the evening, install panic buttons and ensure all exterior lighting is bright, consistent, and free of dark or concealed areas.

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2. Wadesboro, NC – Tiny Town, Alarming Crime Levels

Wadesboro, North Carolina is a small town of roughly 5,300 people in Anson County, but despite its size, it consistently ranks among the most dangerous places in North Carolina. Wadesboro’s violent-crime rate is one of the highest in the state, and per capita it exceeds many larger cities. Its violent-crime rate has been reported at approximately 1,841 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly five times the national average.

Property crime is also extremely high, with frequent break-ins, theft, and vandalism affecting both small businesses and larger storefronts. Many residents and business owners report repeated burglaries by the same offenders. While Wadesboro is known for its historic uptown charm and even served as a filming location for The Color Purple, today it faces serious crime challenges driven by poverty, low economic mobility, and limited police resources.

👥 Population of Wadesboro, NC: ~5,300 (Anson County)

📊 Crime Rate of Wadesboro, NC: Approximately 83.2 crimes per 1,000 people, including a violent-crime rate of about 18.9 per 1,000 and a property-crime rate of roughly 64.3 per 1,000. By violent-crime metrics alone, Wadesboro ranks first or second worst in North Carolina, with violent crime about 370 percent above the state average.

🏭 Major Industries in Wadesboro, NC

Agriculture and agribusiness, light manufacturing, county government operations, small retail shops, and local eateries throughout the uptown district. Wadesboro sits roughly an hour east of Charlotte, though it has not seen significant economic spillover from the metro area, and unemployment remains high.

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Wadesboro, NC

With a small police department and limited sheriff's office resources, response times during the night can be slow in Wadesboro. Criminals know this and often take advantage, which is part of why Wadesboro’s per-capita crime numbers are unusually high for such a small town.

• Wadesboro experiences frequent aggravated assaults, often tied to domestic violence or disputes that escalate quickly.

• Armed robberies also occur, targeting late-night convenience stores, small retailers, and even delivery drivers. These incidents have created an environment where business owners often feel especially vulnerable during evening hours.

• Burglary is one of the most persistent problems.

• Many shops have been hit multiple times by the same individuals, especially during overnight hours when police patrols are limited.

• Drug activity, particularly related to methamphetamine and opioids, fuels a significant portion of property crime, as users break into businesses seeking goods to resell.

🔒 Security Measures of Wadesboro, NC Businesses

Because law enforcement has limited capacity, many Wadesboro businesses have taken security into their own hands. It is common to see burglar bars, roll-down metal gates, and reinforced storefronts throughout the uptown district. Physical hardening is seen as a necessity rather than an option.

• Business owners also rely heavily on monitored alarm systems, often set to notify multiple people at once, including the owner and neighboring businesses.

• Since police response may be delayed, some companies have invested in defensive measures such as plexiglass shields, especially in convenience stores and restaurants vulnerable to armed robbery.

• The town has also installed a handful of public surveillance cameras in high-crime areas to help deter break-ins.

• Community groups and churches support crime prevention through educational workshops, helping business owners recognize suspicious customer behavior and learn techniques to reduce theft. These combined efforts aim to increase awareness and provide an extra layer of protection in a community where crime heavily outpaces police coverage.

💡 Security Tips for Wadesboro’s Businesses from GenX Security Solutions

In very high-crime small towns like Wadesboro, our North Carolina team recommends the following:

• Fortify your physical barriers first. Use heavy-duty deadbolts, reinforced door frames, and security film on glass to slow intruders, especially when police response times may be delayed.

• Adopt technology that allows remote intervention, such as two-way audio cameras that enable you to speak directly to trespassers or warn them away in real time.

• Consider siren-based deterrents that activate during a break-in. These systems can disorient intruders and reduce the amount of damage or theft.

• Use monitored alarms with multi-party notifications, so neighboring business owners or employees can respond or observe if police are delayed.

• Deploy mobile surveillance trailers or exterior cameras with motion alerts to monitor high-risk areas and provide early warning of suspicious activity.

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1. Lumberton, NC – Highway Hub with Nation-Leading Crime Rates

Lumberton, North Carolina, with a population of around 19,000 people in Robeson County, routinely ranks as the most dangerous city in North Carolina. It has also appeared on national lists of the most crime-ridden cities in the United States. Situated at the busy crossroads of I-95 and I-74, Lumberton serves as a major stopover for travelers, freight, and — unfortunately — criminal activity as well.

• The city’s overall crime rate is staggering. Lumberton sees approximately 92.5 crimes per 1,000 residents each year, giving it the highest total crime rate in the state.

• But the real outlier is property crime: with a rate of roughly 119.6 per 1,000 people, Lumberton experiences levels of theft, burglary, and vandalism rarely seen anywhere else in the country.

• High local poverty, unemployment, gang activity, and transient interstate traffic all contribute to an environment where businesses face daily security risks — from armed robberies and shootings to large-scale organized retail theft.

👥 Population of Lumberton, NC: ~19,000 (Robeson County)

📊 Crime Rate of Lumberton, NC: Approximately 139.7 crimes per 1,000 residents, including a violent-crime rate of about 15.4 per 1,000 and a property-crime rate of roughly 119.6 per 1,000. Lumberton has the highest total, violent, and property-crime rates in North Carolina. The risk of victimization rivals that of large metropolitan cities such as Detroit or Baltimore, making Lumberton an extreme statistical outlier.

🏭 Major Industries in Lumberton, NC

Transportation and logistics (due to its interstate location), distribution centers, healthcare (UNC Health Southeastern), retail (serving as Robeson County’s regional shopping hub), hospitality (with many hotels, restaurants, and gas stations serving I-95 traffic), and small manufacturing.

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Lumberton, NC

Lumberton struggles with extraordinarily high rates of violent and property crime across nearly all business sectors.

• Armed robberies and shootings are frequent, especially at gas stations, pawn shops, and convenience stores. Several clerks and employees have been injured during these incidents.

• Drug- and gang-related activity is common, with interstate trafficking bringing violent turf disputes into commercial areas.

• Retail theft and organized shoplifting rings regularly target big-box stores, with police breaking up groups stealing thousands in merchandise.

• Auto theft is extremely high, impacting dealerships, rental fleets, trucking operations, and even hotels where guest vehicles are stolen overnight.

• High-value property theft is widespread, including stolen pharmaceuticals, copper from HVAC units at churches and schools, and break-ins at warehouses.

• Natural disasters have worsened crime spikes; after major hurricanes, businesses faced increased looting and theft, and some are still recovering.

🔒 Security Measures of Lumberton, NC Businesses

Given the intensity of crime in Lumberton, local businesses rely on multiple layers of security. he extremely high crime environment requires businesses to take proactive, multilayered approaches to stay secure.

• Many commercial properties use 24/7 surveillance systems with remote viewing, enabling owners to monitor their stores from home.

• Alarm systems with priority police dispatch or verified response are common, especially in higher-risk sectors such as banks, pawn shops, jewelry stores, and gun shops.

• Some larger retailers participate in the Lumberton CCTV network, sharing live exterior camera feeds with police during active incidents.

• Small businesses have adopted Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies: moving shelving to improve sight lines, installing height markers at doors for easier suspect identification, and minimizing the amount of cash kept in registers.

• Controlled-entry systems and buzzer-door access are increasingly common, especially in pawn shops and specialty stores vulnerable to armed robbery. Industrial facilities rely on perimeter fencing, access control, guard dogs, and strategically placed cameras to deter trespassing and theft.

• Citywide, Lumberton has invested in improved lighting and participated in gunshot detection pilot programs to reduce response times.

💡 Security Tips for Lumberton’s Businesses from GenX Security Solutions

Our North Carolina security specialists recommend the following strategies for businesses operating under Lumberton’s uniquely high crime pressures:

• Use a redundant alarm system with cellular backup so intruders cannot disable monitoring by cutting power or phone lines.

• Equip customer-service areas, cashier stations, and back offices with panic buttons or silent duress alarms to give employees a discreet way to summon help during an armed incident.

• Deploy mobile surveillance trailers with motion-triggered alerts in large parking lots, industrial yards, or remote areas of your property.

• Invest in AI-enhanced video surveillance to detect suspicious behavior, gather high-quality evidence, and alert staff immediately during overnight activity.

Click to Read: Gun Detection Software & Use Cases

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Staying Safe, Profitable, and Proactive in High-Crime North Carolina Cities

Crime in these North Carolina cities presents complex challenges, but businesses are not helpless. A combination of awareness, smart technology, and community engagement can substantially reduce risks. Investing in modern security solutions – such as monitored alarm systems, high-definition video surveillance with remote access, and electronic access control – has proven effective in deterring thieves and providing critical evidence when incidents occur.

At GenX Security Solutions, we don’t just talk about safety – we deliver it. Our team has decades of experience protecting businesses in high-crime areas across the Carolinas. In fact, our growth speaks to that trust: GenX Security has been recognized among the 50 Fastest Growing Companies in SC for three years running (2023–2025) and our Piedmont Triangle area office serves North Carolina's businesses with the same level of dedication.

We are uniquely positioned to help North Carolina’s at-risk cities by designing and integrating customized commercial security solutions – from cutting-edge video surveillance and access control systems to fire alarms, structured cabling, and even mobile surveillance trailers for temporary needs.

Contact us today to secure your North Carolina business. Our security consultations and quotes are always FREE.

www.genXsecurity.com

Sources

Primary Statistical & Crime-Rate Sources

1. SafeHome.org – Crime rate comparisons and NC violent/property crime rankings

2. TheFiniganGroup.com – NC city crime summaries, violent-crime rate breakdowns, population data

3. Reolink.com Crime Statistics – Property-crime rate comparisons and risk statistics for NC cities

4. Wasserstein-Home.com Crime Data Reports – High-crime city profiles and homicide rate context

5. NeighborhoodScout.com – Crime indices, violent crime per 1,000 residents, property crime statistics

6. FBI Crime Data Explorer (CDE) – Federal violent and property crime reporting for NC municipalities

7. North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) Crime Statistics – State-reported UCR crime data

8. USA.com Crime Statistics – City-level crime rate summaries

9. City-Data.com – Crime trends, population stats, and incident distribution data

10. AreaVibes.com Crime Scores – Safety scores and comparative crime rankings for NC cities

Supporting Context & Local Reporting

11. WRAL News (Raleigh) – Reports on Raleigh violent crime, retail crime, auto theft, and workplace safety incidents

12. CBS17 News (Triangle Region) – Reports on Durham shootings, robberies, break-ins, and business impacts

13. ABC11 (Raleigh-Durham) – Data-backed coverage of Triangle crime trends near business districts

14. The News & Observer (Raleigh) – Retail crime, shoplifting rings, and business-related crime reporting

15. The Robesonian (Lumberton) – Local reporting on Lumberton shootings, robberies, theft, flooding impacts

16. Fayetteville Observer – Crime trends affecting businesses in southeastern NC

17. WCNC Charlotte – Crime coverage affecting Pineville and Charlotte suburbs

18. WECT News (Southeastern NC) – Whiteville, Robeson County, and rural-county crime trend reports

19. Spectrum News NC – Coverage of statewide crime patterns, retail theft, and violent-crime analysis

Economic & Demographic Sources

20. U.S. Census Bureau – QuickFacts – City population and demographics

21. NC Department of Commerce – County-level unemployment and economic data

22. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Economic health indicators for NC regions

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Experience the next generation of interactive security services and solutions with GenX Security.

With custom security integration solutions come custom quotes designed for your needs. Please contact us by clicking here or calling 866-598-4369.

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At GenX Security Solutions, we proudly serve businesses in all locations across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia with cutting-edge commercial security systems, access control solutions, structured cabling, fire alarms, and professional audio/visual integration. From bustling cities like Greenville and Raleigh to growing industrial hubs like Winston-Salem to hospitality hot spots like Myrtle Beach, our team delivers tailored solutions to meet your business’s unique needs.

Please visit our state-specific pages for more information on our services in various industries. We serve all cities in the Upstate and surrounding, including:

SOUTH CAROLINA	NORTH CAROLINA	GEORGIA
Aiken, SC	Asheville, NC	Alpharetta, GA
Anderson, SC	Burlington, NC	Athens, GA
Beaufort, SC	Cary, NC	Atlanta, GA
Charleston, SC	Chapel Hill, NC	Augusta, GA
Columbia, SC	Charlotte, NC	Carrollton, GA
Florence, SC	Concord, NC	Columbus, GA
Goose Creek, SC	Durham, NC	Dalton, GA
Greenville, SC	Fayetteville, NC	Douglasville, GA
Greenwood, SC	Gastonia, NC	Gainesville, GA
Greer, SC	Goldsboro, NC	Hinesville, GA
Hilton Head Island, SC	Greensboro, NC	Macon, GA
Lexington, SC	Hickory, NC	Marietta, GA
Mount Pleasant, SC	High Point, NC	Newnan, GA
Myrtle Beach, SC	Jacksonville, NC	Peachtree City, GA
North Charleston, SC	Kannapolis, NC	Rome, GA
Orangeburg, SC	Raleigh, NC	Roswell, GA
Piedmont, SC	Rocky Mount, NC	Sandy Springs, GA
Rock Hill, SC	Wilmington, NC	Savannah, GA
Spartanburg, SC	Wilson, NC	Valdosta, GA
Summerville, SC	Winston-Salem, NC	Warner Robins, GA