Chief Fitzpatrick and Mayor Rivera announce today the establishment of a “Robbery Reduction Initiative.” This is an effort to combat the recent spike of armed robberies in our City. After multiple meetings with the mayor and the Lawrence Police Command staff a strategy to address the recent spike was put together. Call our Robbery Tip Hotline 978-794-5900, ext. 643.

Robbery Reduction Initiative

• The use of up to date crime analysis data to identify hot spots
• The introduction of a Police task force into hot spots
• Directed uniformed patrols and enhanced traffic enforcement in identified areas of concern
• The utilization of “park and walks” in targeted areas with the goal of increasing direct police officer to citizenry interaction
• Establishment of a Hotline: 978-794-5900, ext. 643 to report information regarding these ongoing robberies, possession of illegal firearms
• The utilization of School Resource Officers to educate students on crime prevention strategies
• The use of the newly established “neighborhood liaison” to walk door to door, along with the Mayor himself, to provide residents and business owners with up to date crime data and strategies to avoid becoming a victim

Recent Spike in Robbery

Robbery is a violent crime of serious concern to the Lawrence Police Department. What we know about the recent spike:

• They all occurred between 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
• A majority of them were cell phone thefts
• Majority are occurring in one specific area

How You Can Help

A successful effort to combat this crime requires a partnership between the citizens of Lawrence and its police department. Citizens are encouraged to call if they witness suspicious activity, when possible avoid walking alone after dark, and to resist holding valuables (such as smart phones) in plain view.

The Lawrence Police Department encourages anyone that may have information regarding these ongoing robberies, possession of illegal firearms, or any other crime to contact us at 978-794-5900 or 911 when appropriate.