Lewiston police create 'Neighborhoods First' strategy to lower number of nuisance calls
LEWISTON (WGME)- Lewiston police say nuisance calls have risen 21 percent since 2020.
They say Lisbon Street is one of those areas with increased calls.
Major Cuts is a business on the street and owner Didier Mulumba says he's concerned.
"For our safety, for our families and everybody. If you're going to work, you want to go back home safely," Mulumba said.
To increase safety in Lewiston, officers say they're implementing "Neighborhoods First."
This plan is an enforcement strategy in response to increased nuisance calls.
Officers say more than 3,000 of these calls were made in 2022 alone.
Mulumba says this is worrisome.
"If the crime has been increased, I'm sure it will affect our business. People might be scared to come around," Mulumba said.
Police say nuisance calls range from loitering and trespassing to city ordinance violations.
Officers say they're focused on stopping nuisance offenses before they become larger issues.
Lewiston police say their station is now at 95 percent staffing capacity, meaning most units are staffed properly.
Those units, including the Crime Reduction Unit, Community Resource Team, Criminal Investigation and Patrol Division will be working closely together and have support from the Project Support You Team.
"We're taking different units and they're going to work together to address these in a proactive manor," Administrative Lieutenant Carly Conley said.
Conley says police patrols will also be increased.
"We can proactively be out there and observing these ourselves," Conley said.
"If they're gonna be out and about more, then I'm sure it's gonna be safer for everybody," Mulumba said.
Lewiston police say the number of calls they have received is unacceptable and it's time to crack down.
Some Lewiston business owners say they hope crime rates will drop thanks to the new strategy.
