ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Mayor Tim Keller and Albuquerque officials discussed public safety during Friday’s daily briefing. The mayor also talked about targeting crimes like commercial burglary and street racing during the coronavirus pandemic.
“APD officers are working hard to sto street racing, target burglaries at businesses, and break up house parties to prevent gun violence that claims innocent lives,” Mayor Keller said. “While officers are dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 virus, they continue their work to keep the community safe.”
APD’s Party Intervention Team has responded to 128 calls about parties and loud music since April 4. The team is focusing on breaking up parties before they turn violent. In the future, offices will be able to refer first-time offenders to the Rapid Accountability Diversion program.
Mayor Keller also highlighted APD’S efforts to target repeat commercial burglars who are taking advantages of stores being closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Detectives are focusing on catching offenders during burglaries, as well as building cases linked by finger prints. They are targeting suspects still actively committing burglaries, and work with the District Attorney’s Office on indictments or preliminary hearings.
APD is also targeting street racing throughout the city. Officers are noting an increase of drugs and firearms as they break up street racing and large gatherings of vehicles and car clubs. “We realize people want to venture out onto the streets of Albuquerque,” Mayor Keller said. “But we need folks to be responsible and avoid dangerous activities like street racing. APD will be out in force, keeping communities safe.”
This is a developing story.
