Pittsburgh police share new data that shows increase in crime

PITTSBURGH — During his first of a series of upcoming community meetings, Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay revealed new data that shows an increase in crime since the beginning of the year.

One of the neighborhood hot spots for crimes is the city’s South Side, where dozens packed a meeting to speak with their zone officers.

Pittsburgh police confirmed that the latest incident happened early Wednesday morning. Authorities said someone was carjacked and robbed at gunpoint around 2 a.m. just outside Jack’s Bar at the corner of South 12th Street and East Carson Street.

The victim told police that the carjacker walked up to him and demanded his phone and cash. When the victim said he didn't have any money, the man demanded the keys to the victim’s car, police said.

The carjacker was last seen driving down South 12th Street.

Business owner Ron Thompson said he believes the South Side needs more police patrolling the streets.

“We used to have police patrolling on foot - two of them with a canine. They would come, and if they saw our light on, they would pull on the door. We knew the police officers by name. They would come into the store and say hello to you. We miss that. We want that,” he said.

Thompson is just one of several business owners and residents who told Channel 11 News that they no longer feel safe on the South Side during the day or at night.

“I'm not saying close bars. I'm not saying stop business, but you need to let them know there's a certain amount of monkey business that we will put up with and after that, we are done,” Thompson said.

Gordon Sullivan, who lives in the city’s Carrick neighborhood, agreed that more police officers are needed.

“I want to hear (McLay) say he's going to put another 100 officers on in the next month,” he said.

McLay told Channel 11 News that the bureau’s hiring up to authorized strength.

“Recognize that at any given time, (there will) never be enough officers hired for the city of Pittsburgh for everyone who'd like to see an officer on a corner have one,” he said.

According to the new crime stats, robbery and vehicle thefts are the most common.

Concerned residents, though, weren’t the only ones in attendance at Wednesday’s meeting.  Allison Harnden, the city's night time economy coordinator, was also there.

Part of her job is to help boost businesses, but she also works with them to ensure there aren't other safety concerns.

City Councilman Bruce Kraus expressed in confidence in Harnden’s abilities even amid the crime increase.

“I don't know anyone who knows these issues better than she does,” he said.

McLay plans to hold several more community meeting in other police zones in the coming weeks. The schedule announced so far is below:

• Zone 4: Thursday, Sept. 15, Pittsburgh Firefighters Union Hall, 120 Flowers Ave., Hazelwood
• Zone 5: Thursday, Aug. 25, East End Cooperative Ministries, 6410 Station Street
• Zone 6: Tuesday, Aug. 30, Brashear High School, 590 Crane Ave, Beechview

All meetings will take place from 6 to 9 p.m.

Cox Media Group