Bloomfield Residents Demand Action on Rising Crime, Police Pledge Increased Patrols in Pittsburgh Neighborhood

Bloomfield, Pittsburgh’s tight-knit community known for its colorful Liberty Avenue, has been grappling with a rise in crimes that have left many residents feeling harassed and ignored, according to meetings held to address this issue. At a community meeting yesterday, residents expressed frustration over the increase in thefts, from porch piracy to vehicle smash-and-grabs, as reported by

WTAE

.

Concerns voiced at the meeting painted a picture of a neighborhood seeking more than promises, as residents clamored for a stronger police presence and clear communication on law enforcement strategies, “Bloomfield is a community that’s in distress and we feel largely ignored by the police,” David Calabrese, a business owner in Bloomfield, stated as per

WTAE

. Victoria Jennings, who lives in Bloomfield, shared similar sentiments, calling the police “unhelpful” in an interview with the same outlet.

In response, Zone 5 police outlined their plans to enhance safety, including adjustments to patrol schedules, implementing a beat system that positions officers in specific areas, and introducing a new police database to collect crime footage, as told by Pittsburgh police Lt. Anthony Cunningham. Despite these efforts, residents seem to remain skeptical, seeking tangible outcomes, “It felt very cookie-cutter,” Victoria Jennings said about the police’s response in a statement detailed by

WTAE

.

While the meeting was considered a positive step by the police in establishing an open line of communication with the community, the current shortage of officers has been cited as a significant obstacle. Cunningham mentioned to attendees that the force is trying to recruit more officers. Still, improvements may only be felt once staffing has increased, which is slated for later next year, as indicated in a report by

CBS News Pittsburgh

. “I’m not very hopeful after this, but maybe eventually once they get more staffing over the summer it will be better,” Jennings expressed in an interview, reflecting a common sentiment among the community members.

The situation in Bloomfield reflects broader concerns among urban neighborhoods striving for a balance between effective law enforcement and community trust. Residents continue to seek assurance that their voices are heard and their safety is prioritized as they navigate daily life amidst the unnerving creep of petty and more serious crimes.

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