A Message from Chief of Police Jim Heavey about Apple Store Incident
Most people in Greenwich have heard about an attempted robbery that occurred Monday outside the Apple store on Greenwich Ave. Some of you may even have seen video of the incident.
A woman purchased some items, not realizing she was being observed by two men who were also in the Apple store. The men followed her outside and attempted to rob her. The woman and her male companion fended them off. Another man came to their aid and struggled with the suspects, who eventually ran off, got into a silver sedan on Grigg St., and fled the area.
I know this situation is alarming, so I’m taking this opportunity to inform residents about the current level of crime in Greenwich, how GPD is working to keep you safe, and what you can do to protect yourself and your community.
CRIME IN GREENWICH
Sadly, crime has been on an uptick in recent years as respect for law and order has decreased. Like much of Fairfield and Westchester counties, Greenwich has an ongoing issue with thefts of unlocked motor vehicles, mail, and catalytic converters. Our Detective Division is working with other agencies to share information on who is committing these crimes. Most of the investigations have led us to offenders who reside outside the Town of Greenwich.
This chart shows the number of reported incidents in Greenwich over the past five years. Keep in mind that we aren’t even two-thirds through the current year, 2022.
While many categories are holding steady or even decreasing, robbery is already at the highest level (five incidents) recorded in the past five years — and there are still over four months left in 2022.
WHAT GPD IS DOING TO KEEP CENTRAL GREENWICH SAFE
There’s been a lot of discussion in the past year about police presence on Greenwich Ave. As your Chief of Police, I am here to tell you that while officers are no longer posted in the center of two intersections, we have not abandoned the Avenue. In fact, there is now a greater police presence than ever in central Greenwich.
The first layer of enforcement is the regular patrol, Car 45. Car 45 is operated by the officer assigned to the central Greenwich car post. He or she patrols and responds to calls on the Avenue and all the side streets.
The next layer of enforcement is the Bike Patrol, which is made up of a team of specially trained officers on electric bikes. The bikes were a gift to the town and have given officers a greatly enhanced degree of mobility. The bike unit performs the duties of patrol officers: they respond to reports of suspicious activity or crimes in progress as well as medical emergencies. When vehicle and pedestrian traffic volume is high, these officers can also direct traffic.
(Note that when an officer is directing traffic, he or she is not able to respond to other calls — even if an assault, robbery, or medical emergency occurs right in front of him or her. This is because once officers are positioned to control traffic, they cannot abruptly leave their post without causing a confusing and potentially dangerous situation. These officers are relegated to notifying police headquarters of an incident and having another officer respond.)
Finally, central Greenwich is also covered by the Organized Retail Crime Activity team (ORCA). Comprised of two plainclothes officers supported by the GPD bike unit, ORCA responds to and investigates shoplifting, financial crimes, and ID theft, many of them while they are still in progress.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Lock Your Car and Take the Keys with You
For years now, every single car stolen in Greenwich was left unlocked with the keys inside. Greenwich now has the reputation of being an easy mark — which attracts a criminal element. This creates the potential for additional crimes such as robbery and unsafe driving. You endanger yourself and your neighbors when you leave your car unlocked with the keys in it. Additionally, often these stolen cars out of Greenwich are used in violent crimes committed in other communities.
Secure Your Possessions
Don’t leave your purse or valuables visible in a car or unattended in public. A good rule of thumb is never to leave anything in your car that you can’t live without.
Take Precautions When Leaving Town
Go to greenwichct.gov/1613/Dark-House-Checklist or call (203) 622-8004 to place your home on the GPD “dark house” list. Leave lights on timers. Place a hold on mail and newspapers or have a neighbor pick them up. Don’t post pictures of yourself out of town while your house is empty or put on public social media that you’re away.
Practice Situational Awareness
Don’t be an easy mark. Be aware of what’s going on around you. “Follow-home” robberies are trending around the country, so be alert for people or vehicles tracking you when you leave the Avenue.
Educate Yourself
GPD offers informational courses, such as the Citizens Police Academy and women’s self-defense classes. Join us to learn more about personal and public security!
Community safety is everyone’s responsibility! Secure your home, car, and possessions. Know that the GPD is working hard to stay informed, trained, effectively deployed, and ready to serve. And never hesitate to call 911 if you see something suspicious.
