APD: This year's Balloon Fiesta had less crime
Posted at: 10/23/2009 6:34 PM
By: Valerie Castro, Eyewitness News 4; Charlie Pabst, KOB.com
Care break-ins have been an all too familiar welcome for out-of-town visitors when they come to Albuquerque for Balloon Fiesta, but this year, APD was ready—warding off crooks looking to cash in on the event.
A car break-in or theft will ruin any vacation, but that's exactly what APD wanted out-of-town visitors to avoid during Balloon Fiesta, and police say they were successful.
APD Spokeswoman Nadine Hamby said Friday, "It was pretty crime free as far as visitors, and we did get feedback. We had individuals that were staying in the hotels— they told the hotels that they felt safe."
APD went on the offensive this year, stashing bait cars in hotel parking lots and patrolling with undercover officers, in hopes to arrest anyone that dare try anything.
"That was extremely successful in the way that no one took the vehicles," Hamby said.
Albuquerque hotels say whatever APD did— it worked.
La Quinta on Menaul reported no problems, and says it was nice to know that APD was always watching.
Hilton Hotel Manager Ron Rockelein said, "They were very, very helpful in coming around day by day to see if there were any issues."
A few days before Balloon Fiesta this year, APD held a press conference announcing their plans for patrols during the week.
Police say the forewarning helped to deter criminals from causing trouble.
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