Elizabeth Township: Drop in crime attributed to virus

By Christine Haines

chaines@yourmvi.com

End-of-year paperwork showed unexpected results for the Elizabeth Township Police Department: a 25% reduction in crime for 2020 over the previous year.

“Honestly, it’s COVID-19,” said Acting Chief Jerry Cimba. “We were just as surprised as you when the numbers came out.”

Cimba said the opportunity for property crimes has been reduced since more people are in their homes more hours per day. Because officers are spending less time responding to complaints, they have more time to be visible on the streets.

“We have been stepping up our patrols to curb crimes we’ve had in the past,” Cimba said. “The majority of our calls are down. With the call volume down, our guys are able to be out doing patrols, which may serve as a deterrent.”

Dr. Bart Rocco, who was named the new president of the Elizabeth Township commissioners this month, said the report was welcome, regardless of the reason for the reduction.

“That’s a trend we want to see continue,” Rocco said. “I want to commend our police department and the work they are doing in the township. They care deeply about the community. They do a good job of building relationships in the community.”

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