Raleigh police prepare for rowdy St. Patrick's Day celebrations
The Raleigh Police Department on Friday will increase patrols in preparation of St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Hundreds of people are expected to celebrate Friday night in downtown Raleigh, including along Glenwood South.
Earlier this week, police presented new crime statistics to city council, showing more crime has been reported on Glenwood South over the last year as police work to crack down on complaints in the area known for its bars, restaurants and nightlife.
The report shows the number of reported incidents increased by 16%, and 206 guns were seized over a two-year period. The greatest increases have been in reports of offenses related to concealed carry, illegal firearms and drug violations.
If this St. Patrick’s Day weekend is anything like last year, police officers will be busy. Last year, WRAL Investigates found there were more than 40 complaints and crimes reported in the area, including assaults, fights, car crashes and even a person falling from the balcony of a condo.
Between March 17-21, 2022, there were more than 40 complaints and crimes reported in the area, including six assaults, two fights and six car crashes.
WRAL News obtained cell phone video of a car crash and someone falling from a roof in the same area. There were also calls for crowd control, drug investigations, a foot chase and multiple noise complaints.
From Jan. 1 to March 9, 2022, police records show 299 reported crimes in Glenwood South neighborhood — including nearly 100 weapons/drug violations and 56 assaults. There were 53 drug violations, three robberies, four stolen cars and 16 thefts from cars.
