Cumberland County leaders and law enforcement weigh the data as the community seeks solutions.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – A recent report on juvenile crime in Fayetteville presents a complex picture for Cumberland County residents and officials, showing that while citywide crime has decreased, serious offenses committed by minors are on the rise. This data is at the center of the ongoing debate over the effectiveness of the city’s juvenile curfew ordinance.
According to statistics shared with ABC11, Fayetteville experienced a 10% overall decrease in crime in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. However, this positive trend is shadowed by a concurrent 20% increase in crimes specifically committed by juveniles. This includes a jump in more severe offenses, notably car thefts and break-ins.
The Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) emphasizes that the citywide drop is a sign of progress. “The partnership between the police department and the community is working,” said Chief Kem Braden in a statement, pointing to the broader crime reduction.
The central question for many parents and community members, however, is the role of the juvenile curfew. The ordinance, which requires minors under 17 to be off the streets between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., is designed to prevent precisely the kind of late-night incidents that have seen an increase. The data suggests that while the curfew may be contributing to a safer general environment, it has not fully addressed the spike in serious youth crime.
Community reaction reflects the data’s ambiguity. Some residents argue the curfew provides a necessary tool for law enforcement to intervene before situations escalate. Others, including local advocacy groups, contend that the roots of juvenile crime run deeper than a curfew can address, pointing to a need for more robust youth programs, mentorship, and family support services.
The FPD has acknowledged the complexity of the issue. In response to the rise in juvenile offenses, the department has launched a new Youth Accountability Program. This initiative aims to divert first-time, non-violent offenders away from the court system and toward community-based resources and counseling, focusing on intervention rather than pure punishment.