Riverdale Park Police Say Crime Has Increased Slightly

Crime was up in Riverdale Park in 2010, especially robberies, aggravated assaults and thefts, according to data released by the Riverdale Park Police Department.

Interim Chief Patrick Timmons presented yearlong crime statistics to Riverdale Park's town council Monday, in which he noted some crime had increased between 2009 and 2010. 

"It's not as bad as it was in 2007 or 2008," Timmons noted.

In his presentation, he showed increases in Part 1 Violent Crimes and Part 1 Property Crimes. Part 1 Violent Crimes include murders, rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults, while Part 1 Property Crimes include burglaries, larceny, theft, and stolen vehicles.

"The increase is significant, but we are monitoring the situation as statistics are available," Timmons said.

Of the two murders in 2010, he said one was due to a drug deal gone awry, while the other one was a botched robbery. There were no reported rapes in 2010.

Robberies increased from 37 in 2009 to 46 in 2010, while aggravated assaults increased from 23 to 44.

Property crimes increased from 239 incidents in 2009 to 269 incidents in 2010.

Councilwoman Alice Ewen (Ward 1) asked if the increase in Riverdale Park reflected an increase in the county or was consistent with any other towns nearby.

Timmons couldn't answer Ewen's question at the time; however, according to University Park's crime statistics for 2010, there numbers were up.

Timmons said most of the crime occurred at night or in the early morning hours.

"If numbers were higher, than we'd have to take drastic measures," he said.

However, the police department has increased their visibility and vigilance in the neighborhood. Lt. Andrew Powell, who was recently promoted, said the number of officers in the field have increased, meaning more crimes could be getting reported and more crimes are being deterred by police presence.

The police have gotten hits on stolen cars with their license plate readers, Timmons reported.

Councilman Chris Henry (Ward 4) said he has seen officers out around his neighborhood at night. Henry said he appreciated the presence.

The council will meet again Feb. 7.

Here are the crime statistics for the year broken down, according to the report from the police department: