Some question whether new beats help reduce crime

by ANTHONY WARREN

Sun Staff  Writer

Five months into its implementation, it appears that a plan to restructure beats in Precinct Four has had an impact on crime.

Overall, property crime in Precinct Four is down 20.5 percent through September 2, compared to the same time in 2011. Violent crime is up 5.5 percent compared to the previous year.

In April, the precinct’s two northeastern beats were split into four smaller ones in an effort to get more police officers on the streets.