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APD and City of Albuquerque address crime problem in Old Town

“This is a vibrant place, especially during the day; business is actually pretty good,” Mayor Tim Keller said. The city of Albuquerque and Albuquerque police say Old Town deserves to thrive and understand the frustration of businesses in the area over vandalism. “We're expanding our gunshot detection to Old Town,” Keller said. He believes much of the crime is committed at night. In addition to expanding gunshot detection technology, Albuquerque police want to install their own cameras and increase the number of police and civilian patrols. “It sends a signal that we're watching, and we've had tremendous success with that in our city facilities,” Keller said. Businesses like Outpost 1706 said they've wanted to do something for months. Owner Pete Kassetas says he's glad something is being done now — but wants this to be long-term. “I just want to make sure it's ongoing and consistent and not going away in a week, and it doesn't sound like it will,” Kassetas said. City officials say they are also confident that an investment like this will help secure Old Town in the future. APD Chief Harold Medina said, “There will be a visible increase. I won't give an exact number, but we will be held accountable in the future for how much time we spend here.”

ALBUQUERQUE, NM —

“It's a lively place, especially during the day; business is actually pretty good,” said Mayor Tim Keller.

The City of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Police Department believe that Old Town deserves to thrive and understand the frustration of area businesses over vandalism.

“We are expanding our gunshot detection to the old town,” Keller said.

He believes that a large portion of the crimes occur at night. In addition to expanding gunshot detection technology, the APD wants to install its own cameras and increase APD and civilian patrols.

“It sends a signal that we are paying attention, and we have had tremendous success with it in our municipal facilities,” Keller said.

Businesses like Outpost 1706 said they have been wanting to do something for months. Owner Pete Kassetas says he's glad something is being done now – but wants this to be long-term.

“I just want to make sure that it continues and is consistent and that it doesn't go away in a week, and from the sounds of it, it won't,” Kassetas said.

City representatives are also convinced that such an investment will contribute to the future security of the old town.

APD Chief Harold Medina said: “There will be a visible increase. I will not give an exact number, but we will be accountable in the future for how much time we spend here.”

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