Press Conference in Old Town Friday @ 1:30 pm @ the Gazebo
The Mayor's Office and the Chief of Police will be holding a press conference in Old Town.
Friday, August 16th at 1:30pm @ the Gazebo
Letter from the Mayor’s Office and Chief of Police to Old Town
Dear Historic Old Town Association members,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to address the recent concerns regarding criminal activity, including vandalism, in the Old Town area and to provide you with an update on the new security measures the City of Albuquerque is implementing to ensure the safety and preservation of our cherished neighborhood.
Old Town is a vital and treasured part of our city, attracting both locals and visitors. We understand how imperative it is to maintain its charm and security, and we are fully committed to supporting the businesses and community members who make this area so special. As you may know, a suspect is in custody regarding the recent acts of vandalism and arson. We believe this individual is also responsible for similar incidents, and though we have an individual in custody, we are working on additional steps to enhance security in Old Town:
1. Increased Patrols: The General Services Department (GSD) and Metro Security will actively patrol Old Town during all three shifts, day and night, using a mobile unit. This enhanced presence will cover key areas including the Old Town Plaza, San Luis Plaza, and the surrounding vicinity. APD’s Downtown officers will continue to conduct periodic watch patrols and hold officer briefings in Old Town on a regular basis.
2. Collaborative Foot Patrols: GSD/Metro Security will collaborate with the Albuquerque Museum’s security team to conduct regular foot patrols around the museum's perimeter. These patrols will occur multiple times throughout the day and night to provide continuous vigilance.
3. Enhanced Surveillance: APD installed portable cameras in the Old Town area that are linked with the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). This setup serves as a deterrence and helps police monitor and address any suspicious activities promptly.
4. ShotSpotter coverage: Old Town will now be part of the city’s ShotSpotter coverage area to immediately detect gunfire. License plate readers are also used in conjunction with ShotSpotter to identify vehicles involved in shootings and other crimes.
5. Integration of Business Security Cameras: We encourage every business to link their security cameras with the RTCC. Crime prevention specialists are available to conduct security walkthroughs for those who have not yet set up this integration, ensuring that your surveillance feeds are effectively monitored. The Valley Area Command specialist is Brittany Martinez (brimartinez@cabq.gov).
6. Permanent Cameras: The City will expand the installation of fixed, permanent cameras in Old Town. This initiative will further bolster our efforts to provide comprehensive surveillance and deterrence against vandalism.
I have instructed my office to facilitate a multi-department meeting with any interested merchants in the coming weeks and welcome any and all input. We will follow up with a time and a place outlining next steps.
We are committed to working closely with you to address the challenges and enhance the security of Old Town. Thank you for your continued dedication to our community. Together, we will ensure that Old Town remains a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place for everyone.
Private Security for All of Old Town: We have 24/7/365 on-call security for all of Old Town. We ask that you pay for this amazing service, $25/mo. Learn more and sign up for security.
Crime & Security Safety What's App Group: Specifically created to notify Old Town people immediately of incidents related to crime and security issues. Join Crime & Security What's App Group.
Old Town Merchant Outreach - Facebook Group: A great place to share information and have a chat with Old Town Merchants. On Facebook, search for "Old Town Merchant Outreach - An Independent Group".
Join the Historic Old Town Association (HOTA): All residents, merchants, & property owners can join. Learn more about HOTA.
New Old Town Map: Listing is $75 per year. Feel free to subscribe at any point. You will be included in the next printing and your subscription will start the day maps are delivered with your business on them. Printing is done 3-4 times per year.
Discovery Map: Pricing is available by reaching out via the website.
Church Street Cafe Map: Church Street Cafe has a map where the listings are free. Marie lists all businesses in Old Town when the menu is updated and reprinted.
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