Rise in car break-ins brings response By Paul Nelson Staff Writer Published: 12:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 17, 2010
SCHENECTADY -- During one week last month, reports of car break-ins in the city vaulted to 31 from 13 a week earlier.
"It's a significant crime problem all over the city," said police Chief Mark Chaires, adding that many of the thefts are being committed by youngsters and drug addicts.
Nathan Meehan, the department's crime analyst, said statistics show swings in the frequency of the crime, a trend in other Capital Region communities too.
"It seems to be a crime of opportunity," said Rotterdam Lt. Tom Culbert, adding that thieves seem to prefer vehicles parked on streets instead of in driveways.
Schenectady police have been keeping tabs on the car crimes on a weekly basis since March, said Meehan, who is a civilian employee.
"It's an obvious issue in the city that you need to track to know what's happening," Meehan said, adding the department has also been combating the problem by alerting patrol officers of trouble spots and sharing information with police in neighboring municipalities....................>>>>.......................>>>>.....................http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Rise-in-car-break-ins-brings-response-618244.php
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How many have been arrested? Stop "keeping tabs" and start an anti-gang program. Once again the TU scoops the Gazetto.
