Motor vehicle theft in the city showed fluctuations but an overall decreasing trend. From 3 incidents in 2010, it decreased to 2 in 2021, a 33.3% reduction. The rate per 1,000 residents fell from 0.52 in 2010 to 0.32 in 2021. The city's share of state motor vehicle thefts varied between 0.01% and 0.07%, indicating that while the local trend was improving, it remained a small fraction of the state's total. This could suggest that local efforts to combat vehicle theft have been relatively effective.

Arson cases in the city were rare, with only sporadic incidents reported. The highest number of arsons recorded was 2 in 2012, representing 0.24% of state arsons that year. Since 2015, no arson cases have been reported, indicating either successful prevention or potentially unreported incidents. The infrequency of arson cases makes it difficult to draw meaningful trends or correlations.

Examining correlations between property crime trends and other factors reveals some interesting patterns. There appears to be a moderate inverse relationship between median income and property crime rates. As median income increased from $38,096 in 2013 to $44,959 in 2019, property crimes generally decreased. However, this correlation is not perfect, as there were fluctuations in both income and crime rates during this period.

The racial composition of the city showed some correlation with property crime trends. As the proportion of Black residents decreased slightly from 55% in 2013 to 47% in 2022, and the proportion of White residents increased from 41% to 43% over the same period, property crime rates also decreased. However, it's crucial to note that correlation does not imply causation, and these demographic shifts coincided with other socioeconomic changes in the community.

Applying predictive models to forecast property crime trends for the next five years (up to 2029) suggests a continued gradual decline in overall property crime rates. Based on the current trends, it's projected that by 2029, the city could see total property crimes reduce to around 10-15 incidents per year, assuming all other factors remain constant. However, this prediction should be interpreted cautiously, as unforeseen economic or social changes could significantly impact crime rates.

In summary, Whiteville has experienced a remarkable decrease in property crime rates across all categories over the past decade, despite a growing population. This trend, coupled with increasing median income and subtle demographic shifts, paints a picture of a community that has made significant strides in improving safety and security. As the town continues to evolve, maintaining these positive trends will be crucial for its continued development and the well-being of its residents.