New Hope Crime Trends Upward
A national trend of crime rates ticking upward is reflected in the most recent crime numbers from New Hope. Serious offenses like arson, assault, and robbery cases went up 15 percent over the past year.
Chief Tim Fournier talked about the trend and says there are several factors contributing to it. People are more informed and actively report crime, often using technology like doorbell cameras to assist officers. They’ve also seen a higher transient population move through the city.
Fournier says the department will focus on more public interaction.
“You learn a lot when you stop a car,” said Chief Tim Fournier. “Obviously, there are valid reasons why you stop cars. Between getting out of cars, interacting with the public and being more aggressive on traffic enforcement, it’s a great way to learn things and be present.”
Fournier also mentioned that an increased number of package thefts and garage thefts have contributed to the higher numbers.