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CaptionThe Hillsborough Police Department has started a new team to fight crime in three specific communities in the southern part of the town.
The department has started a new effort called a "Problem Solving Team" for Coachwood Apartments, Gateway Village, and Ashford Lakes. Officer Elizabeth Willoughby said crimes like breaking and enterings, trespassing and even littering have been big concerns for residents in those apartment complexes.
"We've seen citizen complaints from that area and we'd like it to be a safer happier place for people to be," she said.
To do that, police have increased their presence, making sure there's enough lighting, and enforcing no trespassing ordinances. Bonnie Keeton, a Coachwood resident, has already noticed the difference.
"I like the police coming around here all the time," she said. "It makes you feel secure."
Another goal of the team is to work closely with the management of the different apartment complexes to get their input on challenges they face and figure out ways to help.
Frank Cohen, Coachwood site manager, said he's glad not only are the police stepping up, the tennants are getting involved, too.
"They're happy we're on top of it," he said. "They assist by calling police when they're may be an issue."
The team will meet once a month to evaulate its progress and talk about how things are going.
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By Beverly Day on 12/07 12:02 AM
I am a resident at Coachwood apartments and have lived here going on four years now. When I first moved here it was unbelievable at the crime in the area, most especially the Gateway Village community. It was not unusual to hear gunshots ringing out at night from drive by shootings. We were all disturbed by those incidents, being that our complex is only divided by a wooden fence from theirs.
Things really began to change after the new chief of police, Clarence Burkehead was elected to office. Our calls and complaints as a fearful community were acknowledged quickly when we called. The Police Department on a whole, have been very considerate of our fears and concerns as they quickly respond to complaints and 911 calls when trouble arises in the neighboring apt. complex. I would like to thank them all for giving us a feeling of security and peace when we lay down at night now, knowing they are somewhere close by if we need them. The patrols have been stepped up and the crime has gone down considerably in the last year. I for one am very involved in watching over the building at Coachwood where I reside, as should all residents in the complex if we want to continue to have peace in our community.
Thank you Chief and all of your fine officers for doing such a good job. We look forward to your continued presence in our neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Beverly Day
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