Endicott Targeting Quality-of-Life Crimes

"No Trespassing" signs have been installed around the Huron Campus in Endicott. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

Police in the village of Endicott are paying increased attention to people who commit minor offenses in an effort to reduce overall criminal activity.

Officers now are targeting so-called "quality of life" crimes that have caused concern for many who live and work in Endicott.

Endicott Police Chief Patrick Garey during the "Binghamton Now" program on December 1, 2016. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

Patrick Garey, who became police chief in mid-July, sent an open letter to the thousands of people who work at the Huron Campus acknowledging he was aware many are worried about criminal activity.

The chief said steps have been taken to increase police visibility and "to keep pressure on offenders so they never feel comfortable."

Garey noted Huron would be installing "No Trespassing" signs so police could make valid arrests of panhandlers and potential thieves who may wind up in employee parking lots.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, the police chief said a plan is in place to utilize mobile cameras that could be moved to "hot spot" areas when specific problems are reported.

Garey also said the department will be enforcing a ban of bicycle riding on sidewalks. He said that initiative followed requests by business operators.

Endicott police are targeting "quality of life" offenses, including bicyclists on sidewalks. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

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