Community Can Help Reduce Crime, Mayor Says

The Township of West Orange is asking for the community’s help prevent crime after this year's increase in thefts and robberies — including 10 at gunpoint — as it adds patrols and surveillance cameras throughout town.

“There are many ways to take control and help prevent crime in our homes and in our neighborhoods,” Mayor Robert Parisi said. “We need the community to play a role in prioritizing public safety problems and to work together with police to help combat crime. It's a matter of communication, commitment and time.”

This week the township is installing four more surveillance cameras adding to the seven previously installed in higher-crime regions in West Orange to deter criminals and help police make arrests.

“Last month, after publicly releasing surveillance video and photos from an armed robbery, numerous tips came in which helped our investigators capture and arrest four suspects,” West Orange Police Chief James P. Abbott said. “This is an excellent example of how the community can partner with police to deter crime.”

Police are also utilizing local businesses and homeowners that have surveillance cameras to assist in criminal investigations.

Last week, Capt. John Dewey told Patch local police have increased its patrols in the areas near two recent armed robberies — in the Valley area and near Essex Green Shopping Center.

West Orange PD has also added both uniformed and plain-clothes officers as well as increased field interviews, Parisi announced Tuesday.

In addition, the West Orange Police Department has changed the hours of its Street Crimes Unit to address overnight property crime and closely monitor all late-night businesses.

Parisi added, “Our main priority is to reduce the fear and incidence of crime as we continue to take the appropriate proactive measures to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

Residents interest in creating a Neighborhood Watch can contact the Community Services Unit at 973-325-4038 or email communitypolicing@westorange.org.