FOND DU LAC (NBC 26) — The EAA AirVenture draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to northeast Wisconsin, including Fond du Lac.
However, an influx of people can potentially lead to increased crime, noted Fond du Lac Police Chief Aaron Goldstein.
- To address this, Fond du Lac police not only boosted their presence at hotels during AirVenture week but also made their plans public.
- Chief Goldstein reported that, so far, no crimes have been observed at the hotels this week.
- A video provides more details on the strategy.
Goldstein mentioned that hotels are always fully booked during AirVenture week, and the department examined how large events in other regions impact crime rates.
“When large groups gather in a confined area, law enforcement has observed issues like sex trafficking, increased drug distribution, and thefts,” Goldstein explained.
As a preventive measure, Fond du Lac police not only increased their presence around hotels and motels but also publicized their strategy.
“We decided to let everyone know what we’re doing,” Goldstein said.
The police department shared their plans on social media to deter potential criminals.
“We’re sending a clear message: not here, because we will be present in those hotels and motels,” Goldstein stated.
Additionally, the police department collaborated with hotel staff, training them to identify signs of criminal activities, such as sex trafficking.
“Hotel staff are in the best position to notice suspicious activities,” Goldstein said.
Local hotel staff expressed gratitude for the police support during what many described as their busiest week of the year.
Goldstein reported that the strategy has been effective so far.
“I’m pleased to report that, to date, we have not encountered any criminal incidents at the hotels,” Goldstein said.
If this approach continues to be successful, Goldstein indicated that they might implement similar measures for future large events, such as the NFL draft.
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Source: nbc26.com