City Manager Manager Rachael Tabelski and Chief Shawn Heubusch issued a letter to the community this week regarding three shootings that occurred in the city, and The Batavian asked them a few related questions about crime in Batavia.
The first one was about a family with a Ring camera that apparently caught disturbing video of strangers attempting to break into their home by opening the door where the camera was placed. That family has packed up and moved and put their home up for sale.
Police have access to such camera databases, and The Batavian asked have there been any such incidents reported, and if this type of criminal activity is on the rise?
“That is indeed sad news that someone in Batavia feels they need to move away to be safe. That is exactly the issues that we have been working on. Anyone who sees suspicious activity on their property should call 911. Also anyone that wants to register their cameras with the police we encourage that as well,” Tabelski said. “We want residents to feel safe and will be allocating more resources to address this type of criminal activity. I did check with the chief. We have been made aware of instances of people forcing themselves in the homes, but have not seen the video of it.”
“Investigators can review video from Ring systems provided to them by homeowners where a crime has occurred in order to gather evidence. The police department does get reports from time to time of people stealing packages from porches,” she said.
The Batavian asked if Batavia’s population and climate is changing with increased crime, and if so, how do citizens win back their streets?
“Residents should be cautious and aware of their surroundings when out in the City, or anywhere. Always take basic safety measures with your property to protect it,” Tabelski said. “From what we currently understand, the gun incidents were targeted. If you see an altercation, get yourself to safety and call 911. If you see something, say something.”
“Batavia is not unique in this regard as communities like ours face significant challenges. There are enormous socio-economic pressures that are impacting communities, including a rise in crime. As a micropolitan in-between Buffalo and Rochester we see some criminal activity here similar to larger cities, however, we have much less crime and a much more tightknit community,” she said. “Many criminals move on after they are arrested or they realize it is too difficult to operate here. Citizens can win back their streets by cooperating with police and reporting crime or suspect activity when they see it. Neighborhoods are stronger when they are united, residents need to get to know their neighbors and take care of them. Simply put, it means we all have a responsibility to police our community.”
While there were many kudos and thank-yous issued online for the city's letter and the police department's efforts, there are some steps that citizens can also take to ensure a safer community, per Tableski's comments:
- If you have a Ring camera system and experience any suspicious activity, allow police to view the footage.
- If you see anything suspicious, report it to police. If you witness an altercation, get yourself to safety and call 911.
- Get to know your neighbors and watch out for them.
