Police Take New Approach to Fighting Crime
The Naugatuck Police Department is taking to the streets to crack down on increased crime and violence downtown.
Naugatuck is trying out a new approach to fighting crime. Police just started to make their presence known on foot.
Officials said they had enough of the recent crimes downtown, including stabbings break-ins and graffiti.
NBC Connecticut tagged along with Sgt. Bart Deeley while he walked a new beat in downtown Naugatuck. His nighttime foot patrols are supposed to stop trouble before it starts.
If businesses left their doors unlocked after hours, he checks for possible intruders. He also tries catching taggers who have left their marks on walls across the areas. His other goal is to put a dent in violent crime.
“Recently there was a stabbing here on Church Street and it was pretty upsetting,” Tami Marques said.
She opened up a Zumba business called Studio Z 62 when the problems intensified. For her, the extra police presence has been a welcome sight.
“Mainly women come to our business, so we were a little worried,” Marques admitted.
Police said there was no question that the quality of life has improved since the foot patrols began a few weeks ago, and the people around this area agreed.
“They come to the door and greet us at the door. It's comforting. It's much better,” Marques said.
She said the better feeling downtown is because of the new approach by police.
“It's inviting for people to come downtown,” Marques said.
According to Naugatuck Police, the foot patrols will continue until crime goes down.
