According to a recent article in the Colorado Springs Gazette, rates of property crimes, such as burglary, increased by 25 percent in the first quarter of 2013 when compared to the first quarter of 2012. Motor vehicle thefts increased 70 percent in the first quarter of 2013 when compared to 2012.
The Colorado Springs police force is responding to these increases in several ways. One of the most prominent involves the creation of a Motor Vehicle Theft Task Force (MVT Task Force) to address motor vehicle thefts specifically. The task force includes a sergeant and three officers, and it partners with other agencies to use technology like license plate readers and other resources to track down vehicles believed to be stolen, according to the agency.
The agency is also holding regular meetings to discuss how to handle increases in property crimes and other suspected criminal activity, and it uses computer analysis of existing data to decide where police should be dispatched during their regular work hours. Finally, the agency has begun using “Directed Patrols,” in which certain officers in vehicles patrol areas looking for signs of suspected criminal activity, while others are assigned to answering calls for assistance.
Although these additional patrols may identify more suspicious behavior, a suspicion is not the same thing as guilt. If you’re facing criminal charges for a property crime, don’t hesitate to protect your legal rights. Call The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. today at (719) 475-2555 for a free and confidential consultation.