Talk of the town: Crime

By Charles Sercombe
In less than a week, a woman in her 20s who had just moved into Hamtramck received a rude welcome.
The Review is not printing her name or what street she lives on to protect her identity, but her tale is one that is happening frequently in town.
Within days of moving here her apartment was broken into through a window where the suspect or suspects cut themselves and left a trail of blood in her apartment.
This was in the morning or middle of the day and a number of items were taken.
“It’s been stressful,” she said when asked how she has coped, adding that it comes at a time when she is “really broke.”
Like many other new residents, she has been chased out of increasingly wealthier and more desirable areas of Detroit that are experiencing huge rental increases.
In her case, she came from West Village where she lived for the past two years.
Now that she has been experienced a break-in, she is seriously thinking of moving out of Hamtramck.
The break-in, she said, “is really the cherry on top of a lot of other things.”
She is not alone in this experience.
In recent weeks residents have become alarmed at the crime rate happening on the streets and in neighborhoods.
Social media has been abuzz lately of tales of break-ins and thefts, assaults and street robberies.
City and public safety officials acknowledge there is a crime spree happening, but say it’s a typical uptick when the weather turns hot and more people are out on the street at all times of the day and night.
Hamtramck Police Chief Anne Moise originally posted a response to the crime wave on Mayor Karen Majewski’s Facebook page. The Review asked the chief if we could reprint it, and she agreed.
“Our detectives and officers are working hard to identify person(s) responsible for the recent rash of break-ins. We are working with the Detroit Police Department, who are experiencing them as well. We have been sharing information to get these parties identified and enough evidence to get them charged by the Wayne County Prosecutors Office. This is the most difficult part of the process.
“I understand the residents’ concerns and fears. It is a very unsettling feeling to know that someone has been inside your home taking items that you worked hard to get. It is important to remind people to call the police if they see something suspicious, to report their crimes and to take proper precautions to avoid victimization. Lock doors and windows, don’t leave your belongings out or in your vehicle. Crime is always on the rise in the summer and it is happening all over the area.”
While there were many victims in recent weeks, there have been success stories for investigators.
“I am glad to report that we did arrest a suspect that has reportedly been stealing catalytic converters, which is a huge problem all over Metro Detroit,” Moise said.
Not only is crime on the rise, but there has also been an increase in reports of car crashes and hit-and-runs. In some cases kids have been hit.
“We have a lot of children playing in the neighborhoods and people need to slow down. The service drive is a particular hot spot as people come off the freeway or headed to the freeway,” Moise said. “Most are driving in an excess of 40-45 miles per hour and there are several homes in that area with children.
“It is important for drivers to slow down and be aware of children that may suddenly run out into the street. It is also important for parents and caregivers to remind children not to play or run out into the street.”
Moise said that if you see anything suspicious to immediately call the Police Department at 911 – no matter how insignificant it may seem.

3 Responses to Talk of the town: Crime

  1. guest

    July 29, 2016 at 9:56 pm

    Gabarino has to be rehired if city is run by rational officials.

  2. Guest

    August 8, 2016 at 11:40 pm

  3. Buck Wheat

    August 30, 2016 at 3:41 pm

    Crime in Hamtramck? What is the City Council doing about this? Maybe hire some more cops? Or implement full sharia law?

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