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GREENBURGH, NY - Crime in Greenburgh is on the decline, according to the most recent statistics report from the town's police department.
"I am proud," said Greenburgh Police Chief Joseph DeCarlo. "The department works hard and we certainly protect people's constitutional rights. It's always a team effort. We really have the public's safety in mind."
While the number of burglaries from 2009 to 2010 shrunk by 34 percent, the big decline was in motor vehicle theft, which diminished by 44 percent.
Larceny, the most popular offense among criminals, has decreased by 18 percent over the past year. Nevertheless, DeCarlo is committed to making that rate drop even more because of the invasion of personal security and lasting effects on victims.
"Larceny is a crime that people feel," he said. "Once somebody's been in their house, they don't feel safe there."
DeCarlo expressed gratefulness that the robbery rate dropped by 32 percent because robbery often leads to assault, something that the department feels strongly about diminishing. Unfortunately, the felony assault rate still leaped up by seven percent since 2009.
Technology has played a significant role in helping the Greenburgh Police Department catch offenders. The advent of license plate readers have helped catch stolen vehicles and those with expired registrations. The department currently has two readers and it looking to purchase a third.
"Cell phones are also a good tool because people can call in a crime immediately," said DeCarlo. "If they're in a car, they can call for DWIs and speeders in traffic. It certainly helps. We can use technology and society to stop crime, and that's what we're trying to do."
However, even with new technology, Greenburgh police have difficulty with Internet crime, including online identity theft. While they are pursuing options to strengthen that area, they are currently focusing on gangs and weaponry.
"Anytime we can take a gun off the streets, it's important," said DeCarlo. "It shows that guns are out there. They're certainly one of our main concerns."
The Greenburgh Police Department encourages residents to call them if they see any suspicious conduct, violent acts or criminal behavior.
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