FPD stepping up measures as summer moves forward

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In the wake of several reported instances of “suspicious activity” involving adults approaching minors, and as the summer heats up, the Fishers Police Dept. is taking measures, such as adding extra patrols, to combat crime.

Sgt. Randy McFarland, FPD public education officer, said the FPD is getting information out to officers on a shift level (patrol divisions), using neighborhood (directed) patrols, keeping unmarked vehicles involved and performing more covert tactics to address crime.

In addition to the direct efforts of the FPD, there are about 70 neighborhood watch programs operating throughout Fishers.

McFarland said there is no particular factor to blame for extra perceived crime in Fishers – but over-arching issues such as the economy and the heat wave hitting the region could be contributors.

“It seems as if sometimes, when it rains, it pours,” he said.

According to statistics provided by McFarland and Sgt. Gerry Hepp, some types of crime saw an increase in the month of May last year, while others dropped. Hepp said in an e-mail that the following statistics are for reported crimes – regardless of the “actual outcome of the call.”

Reported assaults, including instances of “simple assault with no injury,” increased by eight, with 25 reported this May. Burglary increased by two for a total of seven. There were no reported robberies during May this year and only one last year. However, in May 2012, there were 308 reports of suspicious activity compared to 162 last year.

McFarland said to keep in mind when information goes out about reported suspicious activity, FPD expects to see a larger volume of calls.

He said instances of adults approaching children – which are never advisable without the presence of a parent or trusted adult – are explainable in certain cases.

“When we put out information like that, for instance to look for a black Toyota, you would be amazed at the number of black Toyota calls that we get in,” McFarland said. “We appreciate those calls.

“We follow up with every single one of them, because we take that sort of thing especially, very, very personally.”

McFarland could not talk specifics about any ongoing cases.

On releasing information on major cases, McFarland said, “We certainly don’t want folks to be fearful, we just want them to be watchful, and we want them to be informed.”


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