The analysis of the Crime Trends indicated that property crimes dominated crimes that are experienced by Leland residents, accounting for 64% of reported crimes in January and 70% in February. These crimes include break-ins, fraud, larcenies and property damage. Of these, break-ins into unlocked vehicles where property such as wallets, cell-phones and computers were left in plain view continued the trend experienced in previous months. Efforts have been made to address these issues through increased patrols and citizen awareness but vehicles continue to remain unlocked and property removed. The issue of addressing these "soft targets" will now be addressed by Corporal Rob Ernest, the department's Community Resource Officer, by ensuring that Neighborhood Watch Programs are made aware of these trends and provided methods to ensure residents know to lock their vehicles and remove property from inside them.
Shoplifting also appeared to be a problem, especially at Wal-Mart, with officers responding to 20 shoplifting calls over the past 2 months.
Sergeants Clarke, Naughton and Otto addressed crimes specific to each "beat". In District 1 - the area off of Village Road and Old Fayetteville and including Windsor Park - experienced the highest level of reported crimes, including 14 residential break-ins over the past two months. A majority of these break-ins occurred in the newer, less populated areas of Windsor Park and increased patrols and coordination with the Neighbor Watch Program in Windsor Park was recommended. District 1 also included several police initiated contacts with individuals in "suspicious" situations and DWI's.
In District 2 - Waterford, Magnolia Greens, Lanvale Road and Greyson Park - larcenies accounted for the majority of reported crimes. Though this included 2 larcenies from motor vehicles and 6 larcenies of motor vehicles - all of which were recovered - District 2 experienced the lowest level of reported crimes (41).
District 3 - Westport, Mallory Creek and areas east and south of US 17, 74 and 76 - were dominated by shoplifting from Wal-Mart. The second highest reported crimes were traffic offenses, which included 9 crashes, one DWI and one hit-and-run.
Finally, Sgt Hank Smith addressed repeat and nuisance calls which included responses to false alarms and school bus/driver related offenses, such as illegal passing. Adopting fees for repeated calls to false alarms are being explored while a meeting with school officials concerning the bus issue has already been conducted to address their issue.
By continuing this effort of crime analysis and addressing crimes through both traditional and non-traditional methods, it is hoped that the Leland Police Department can better address the concerns of their residents.
