Mayor confronts alarming rise in property crimes

During a recent government meeting, officials expressed growing concerns over rising crime rates in Manville, particularly property crimes, which have surged by 29% this year. Councilman Opliger highlighted that overall crime has increased by approximately 20%, prompting discussions on public safety measures.

The meeting revealed that the city plans to allocate funds for one new patrol officer and an additional animal control officer, a move seen as insufficient given the current crime trends. Officials acknowledged the need for enhanced technology to combat crime, referencing the deployment of FLIR cameras across the city. While most cameras are operational, some are still awaiting permits from the state, limiting their full potential.

The police department is utilizing the camera data to identify suspects in recent incidents, but challenges remain in managing the volume of data generated. Investigators are tasked with monitoring the footage, raising questions about whether the department has adequate resources to effectively utilize this technology.

As Manville grapples with these issues, city leaders emphasized the importance of addressing crime to prevent the area from becoming a target for criminal activity, particularly in light of its proximity to Houston. The discussions underscored a pressing need for strategic planning and resource allocation to enhance public safety in the community.