Holly Springs Police Department Releases 2024 Annual Report, Presents at Town Council Meeting (Part 2)
Report reaffirms Holly Springs’ reputation as one of the safest communities in the region, with crime rates remaining significantly lower than the Wake County average.
This story is part two of a two-part series providing Holly Springs residents with an overview of the 2024 Annual Report presented at the Town Council Business Meeting on February 18, 2025. Part two of the series focuses on Strengthening Community Partnerships and Public Safety Initiatives, Strategies to Combat Auto Theft and Organized Crime, and Technological Advancements in Policing.
Note: Part one of the series was published on February 19th and can be found here.
Holly Springs, NC, Feb. 20, 2025 — The Holly Springs Police Department recently presented its 2024 Annual Report to the Town Council, providing an overview of crime statistics, law enforcement actions, and ongoing initiatives to enhance public safety. The report reaffirmed Holly Springs’ reputation as one of the safest communities in the region, with crime rates remaining significantly lower than the Wake County average.
In 2023, Holly Springs' violent crime rate was 33 times lower, and its property crime rate was over 16 times lower than Wake County. This trend continued into 2024, with no homicides reported, reflecting the town’s longstanding record of low violent crime. Reports of sex offenses dropped by 42%, with the majority of cases involving individuals who had a prior relationship.
Strengthening Community Partnerships and Public Safety Initiatives
In 2024, the Holly Springs Police Department prioritized community engagement, expanding its outreach programs to strengthen relationships with residents and local organizations. During the year, officers hosted or attended more than 125 community events, reflecting a record level of engagement. These events included partnerships with local businesses, neighborhood groups, and schools to foster trust and improve public safety awareness.
One key engagement initiative involved mentoring the next generation of public safety professionals through the department’s cadet program. Officers worked directly with young people in the community, offering training and guidance on careers in law enforcement.
Additionally, the HSPD deepened its collaboration with local businesses, particularly in retail areas. Police worked closely with store owners to combat organized retail theft. Officers also participated in neighborhood watch meetings and homeowner association (HOA) gatherings, providing updates on crime trends, safety tips, and department initiatives.
The department's commitment to public visibility extended to major town events, such as Hollyfest and the annual Holiday Parade, where officers engaged with residents while ensuring security. Through these efforts, HSPD has strengthened its connection with the community, promoted transparency, and enhanced public safety awareness.
Strategies to Combat Auto Theft and Organized Crime
Auto theft remained a concern in 2024, with increased thefts, mainly of high-performance Dodge models and Kia and Hyundai vehicles with known security vulnerabilities. In response, the Holly Springs Police Department developed targeted strategies to address these crimes, including regional collaboration, public awareness efforts, and tactical enforcement initiatives.
Recognizing that many auto thefts were part of larger, organized crime trends, HSPD partnered with law enforcement agencies in Cary, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, and Garner to share intelligence and coordinate investigations. Officers worked closely with crime analysts and specialized task forces to track repeat offenders and identify crime patterns.
HSPD also emphasized public education, urging residents to take preventative measures, such as locking car doors and removing valuables to deter opportunistic thefts. Surveillance footage from residential security cameras and commercial properties frequently showed that criminals bypassed locked vehicles in favor of easier targets, reinforcing the importance of these basic security measures.
To disrupt auto theft rings, HSPD deployed tactical patrols in known hotspots, such as apartment complexes and hotels, where stolen vehicles were often recovered. These operations helped police quickly locate and return stolen property while deterring further criminal activity.
Additionally, officers worked to process recovered stolen vehicles for evidence more efficiently, aiding in identifying and prosecuting offenders. The department also remained proactive in monitoring juvenile offenders, as data showed that many repeat auto theft cases involved youths who had been previously apprehended but released due to juvenile system limitations.
Technological Advancements in Policing
The Holly Springs Police Department expanded its use of technology in 2024 to enhance crime detection and prevention. One of the most significant advancements was the deployment of License Plate Reader (LPR) systems, which allow officers to track stolen vehicles and identify suspects more efficiently.
The department currently operates five mobile LPR units, with plans to upgrade its system. These cameras have proven useful in identifying stolen vehicles entering Holly Springs and alerting officers in real-time. LPR data has also played a role in investigating organized crime groups targeting high-value cars.
To further improve crime-fighting capabilities, HSPD implemented a Crime Problem Management System, which helps officers and supervisors analyze crime trends, identify problem areas, and deploy resources accordingly. Through this system, crime analysts can assign cases to specific captains, who then develop response plans to address emerging crime patterns.
The system enables the department to track whether a crime suppression strategy was successful or if criminal activity shifted to another area. By reviewing past responses, police can continuously refine their approach, ensuring that enforcement efforts remain data-driven and effective.
Additionally, HSPD joined ROCIC (Regional Organized Crime Information Center), a multi-state intelligence network that provides real-time crime bulletins and shared investigative resources. Through this initiative, the department receives crime alerts from surrounding states, allowing officers to anticipate criminal activity before it reaches Holly Springs.
HSPD’s investment in advanced analytics and intelligence-sharing tools has helped officers proactively address crime, enhance response times, and improve public safety. The department aims to expand its technology infrastructure to strengthen its crime-fighting capabilities further.
Note: Part one of the series was published on February 19th and can be found here.