MINNEAPOLIS— Data from the City of Minneapolis dashboard shows an increase in certain crimes in Dinkytown as police roll out their summer safety plans.
According to police data, thefts in the Marcy-Holmes area, which includes Dinkytown, are up 68.7% compared to last year, and robberies and vandalism are down.
“I try to stay away from Dinkytown, especially at night,” said student Morgan Thomas. “And even during the day I try to go with just a friend because there are some concerns now that school is over, like there are a lot less people, so a lot more crime, like pickpocketing.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara acknowledged one source of the problems when he presented his summer safety plan to the City Council this week.
“We have problems with kids coming in who are in between ages, they’re not old enough to drink yet, but they want to hang out. And of course there are problems. And we’ve had success just by using some police cars blocking some roads and Dinkytown late at night,” he said.
Other crime prevention tools are stationed in the area at all hours of the day, something residents want to see more of.
“More street lights and stuff. Because it’s super dark where I live,” said student AJ Brenner. “You just can’t really see where you are half the time and that’s kind of scary.”
Thomas added that they would like to see more police presence.
Allen Henry
