Sheriff Eddie Cathey and the UCSO have recently received inquiries from Weddington residents concerned that the crime rate in Weddington may be on the rise. The information below is intended to dispel that rumor and provide an accurate picture of crime trends in the Town of Weddington so that residents can rest easy and remain confident in their law enforcement services.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office has completed a review of Part I crime data for Weddington, covering the years 2022 through August 5, 2025. This review confirms that crime is not currently on the rise. The data reinforces what residents already know: Weddington continues to be one of the safest areas in Union County.

While overall crime numbers naturally fluctuate from year to year, there is no indication of a growing crime problem. After reaching a high of 70 reported Part I crimes in 2023, the total dropped to 49 in 2024. As of early August 2025, just 37 offenses have been reported, placing this year on track to remain well below the 2023 total. These numbers reflect the consistent efforts of both residents and law enforcement to maintain a safe and secure community.
Larceny, which accounted for the majority of offenses during the 2023 spike, has steadily declined, from 58 incidents in 2023 to 33 in 2024 and just 23 so far in 2025. This reduction has been a key factor in the overall decrease in reported crimes.

It is important to note that while breaking and entering appears frequently in the data and accounts for a significant portion of reported offenses, many of these cases involve vehicle break-ins where multiple residents have left their cars unlocked, often with keys or valuables inside. These are not forced-entry burglaries but crimes of opportunity that are entirely preventable through simple actions such as locking vehicles and securing personal property. Continued community awareness and preventative habits can significantly reduce these types of incidents.
Other serious crimes such as aggravated assault, arson, motor vehicle theft, and rape remain infrequent and have shown no pattern of increase.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to maintaining Weddington’s strong public safety record. The Town of Weddington’s recent addition of two deputies to the patrol roster has already strengthened coverage and visibility. These deputies are now fully integrated into patrol operations, providing dedicated coverage at all times and enhancing the Sheriff’s Office’s ability to respond quickly and maintain a strong presence in the community.
In addition, the recent installation of additional FLOCK Safety license plate recognition cameras is another significant investment in public safety. These cameras are already being utilized to investigate and prevent crime by providing real-time intelligence and aiding in the swift identification of suspect vehicles.
In summary, the most recent data confirms that Weddington is not experiencing a rise in crime. The area remains one of the safest in Union County, thanks to proactive law enforcement, community involvement, and the ongoing support of town leadership. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor trends closely and address emerging concerns swiftly, but as the current data shows, Weddington continues to be a safe and secure place to live, work, and raise a family.

Lt. James Maye
Public Information Officer
Union County Sheriff’s Office