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Seat Pleasant police report: thefts decreasing, cameras planned for Goodwin Park
Summary
Police chief reported consecutive months of crime reductions, noted thefts remain the top crime type, and outlined plans to add surveillance cameras at Goodwin Park and increase enforcement of park closure hours.
Seat Pleasant — Police Chief reported that the city has seen sustained decreases in several crime categories and described steps the department will take to address vandalism and park safety.
During the April 7 work session, Chief Harris said the department has recorded “double digit reductions in crime within the city” for four months running and credited increased visibility and targeted enforcement for the trend. He said thefts at establishments and thefts-from-vehicles are the most common incidents and that outreach programs encouraging residents to secure valuables have helped reduce opportunities for crime.
To address vandalism and after-hours activity in Goodwin Park, the department plans to install two surveillance cameras funded through a grant the department secured for camera equipment. “We are going to be installing 2 surveillance cameras within Goodwin Park to try and assist us with being able to capture those vandalism” incidents, the chief said. The department also moved a vehicle-mounted message sign (VMS) into the park to display closing-time reminders and said officers will strictly enforce the park’s dusk-to-close policy where feasible.
Chief Harris said staffing limits affect the department’s ability to be everywhere at once and that the department will coordinate with environmental and parks staff to ensure signage and operational support for any park-hours enforcement. He told the council that outreach programs — including community-engagement giveaways such as steering-wheel locks — remain part of the strategy to deter thefts and protect residents’ property.
Ending
The department plans to monitor vandalism patterns after camera installation and adjust patrols and enforcement as needed. Council members asked for continued updates during the budget process about resources tied to public safety staffing and technology.
