But Burglary Ring Strikes North End
New Rochelle’s full 2009 crime statistics extend a positive trend towards enhanced safety. The 2009 serious crime rate was the lowest since 1961, allowing New Rochelle to maintain its status as one of the five safest cities nationwide in our size-category. To help further protect our citizens from both property and violent crime, New Rochelle applied for and was recently awarded a $200,000 grant from the New York State Dormitory Authority that will be used to install cameras at key locations. Video can be employed to follow up on criminal reports and apprehend suspects.
Notwithstanding this good news, serious challenges remain. In recent months, a burglary ring has struck New Rochelle’s north end and several nearby communities. For those concerned, let me offer the following:
- The NRPD has increased patrols and otherwise assigned resources to this priority, while also coordinating with other affected Departments in the region;
- The NRPD’s PACT unit has reached out to affected neighborhood associations to share information. The PD advises residents to take common-sense action to secure their properties, particularly when they expect to be away for extended periods; and
- While there is a distinct pattern of activity that requires and is receiving a focused response, the rate of burglary, like crime as a whole, is historically low. New Rochelle has recorded 51 burglaries so far this year (as of April 26.) This compares with 67 burglaries during the same period in 2009, and, if you can believe it, 427 burglaries in the same period back in 1981. These statistics are offered not to dismiss the seriousness of the present challenge, but only to caution against undue alarm or misperceptions of escalating crime.