Police, Mayor talk about recent crime wave in Hamden

HAMDEN, CT – As Hamden has seen a recent spike in robberies and stolen vehicles in shopping districts, police are updating residents on recent initiatives to fight the crime wave and announcing an upcoming crime prevention discussion to be held this week.

The Police Department and Mayor’s Office issued the following press release addressing public safety concerns in shopping districts:

The city of Hamden has recently seen a rise in crime in shopping areas, particularly in relation to robberies and stolen motor vehicles. The safety and well-being of our residents and those who visit and work in the city of Hamden is our number one priority. With this in mind, the Hamden Police Department has taken several initiatives including:

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Reinforced Patrols – Additional officers were dispatched to high-visibility patrols at malls across the city. These patrols include area patrol cars, bicycle patrols, and treadmills deployed in strategic areas. Hamden’s Crime Deterrent Unit will also assist in this crime prevention effort.

Cooperation with local companies – Officials have met with business owners at Hamden Mart and Hamden Plaza as part of several crime prevention initiatives. As a result, lighting and surveillance cameras in the shopping areas have been improved. Additional officers with extra duty and security patrols were installed in various businesses and shopping districts around the city.

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Crime Prevention Meetings – Officials have met with neighborhood watch groups and various community groups to discuss crime prevention measures to help fight crime and keep the community informed.

Hamden Miller Senior Center hosts a Discussion on crime prevention with the Hamden Police Department on Wednesday 23 March at 1.30pm. The meeting will take place at Thornton Wilder Hall in the Miller Memorial Library & Cultural Complex; 2901 Dixwell Ave.

Mayor Lauren Garrett will be on hand with Hamden Police Commissioner John Sullivan and members of the HPD command staff to speak to concerned community members.

The Hamden Police Department would also like to remind the community of some very important ones Safety tips for crime prevention:

1. Park in well-lit areas.

2. Avoid driving or shopping alone if possible.

3. Don’t leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart.

4. If possible, leave your handbag at home. Only carry essentials like money, credit cards, and ID in your pockets. Avoid carrying a large amount of money with you.

5. Close and lock all windows and doors when parking. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

6. If you feel trouble, get out of there as soon as possible.

7. Don’t look like an easy target. Walk with your head held high and your eyes alert.

8. When you return to your vehicle, have your keys ready. You want to unlock your vehicle’s door as quickly as possible. Lock your vehicle when re-entering.

9. If you are robbed, make personal safety your number one priority. Money and property can always be replaced. Please contact the Hamden Police Department for assistance by dialing 911 or by calling (203) 230-4000.

Most importantly… Always be alert and aware of your surroundings!

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