In response to the spike of robberies across several Ward 6 neighborhoods, Councilmember Tommy Wells has called for increased foot and bike patrols and a greater police presence. “Since last Friday, we’ve had a total of 23 robberies when there were just 5 the previous weekend,” remarked Mr. Wells. “These robberies are happening at night, during the daytime, and in several different neighborhoods.”

The Councilmember reports that MPD Chief Cathy Lanier has responded to the crime spree by shifting the city-wide Robbery Task Force to the 1st District (the boundaries of which are very similar to Ward 6). This task force has been working in the 3rd District (roughly Ward 1 and the downtown neighborhoods) since 2006 and was able to significantly decrease robberies in that area.

“1st District Commander Diane Groomes has already spent time briefing the Robbery Task Force on the recent spate of crimes and I will make sure they have all the resources they need to protect our residents and ensure our streets are safe to walk,” added Mr. Wells. “I want to see our officers responding quickly to help residents and make arrests when these crimes occur, but just as important is their -- and our -- job to prevent the crime from ever occurring and keeping our streets safe.”