BUFFALO, N.Y. — People living in the Elmwood Village expressed concerns Wednesday about crime in their district.

What You Need To Know

  • The Buffalo police chief held a monthly community meeting to address safety in the Elmwood Village
  • Police say crime is down in the district by 13%
  • The D-District has added 18 new officers 
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Buffalo Police Chief Joe Fahey told his community virtually Wednesday his D-District has added 18 additional police officers.

"We've been able to use those officers for the park and walks that you've all seen in all of your neighborhoods. It's been a great addition. We'll be able to use them in problem areas and from there we'll go on," said  Fahey.

Community members say one of those problem areas has been in the Elmwood Village.

One woman, who did not identify herself, logged on to look for answers after she recently saw a large police presence on her street.

"I'm young, I live alone in the area and I'm petrified. And the fact that there's absolutely no news regarding what happened so close to me is very unsettling," she said.

Fahey says crime statistics for the Elmwood Village show only one robbery so far this year compared to seven in 2020, as well as zero assaults so far this year, compared to 12 all of last year.

Local community leaders on-hand say there is a discrepancy between the stats and the number of incidents reported to them.

"The statistics say there's no uptick, whereas, we are, as block club leaders and community leaders, hearing from people who this has actually happened to," said Gretchen Cercone, of the Residents of the Elmwood Village Facebook Page.

Fahey says statistics reflect different levels of crimes, with many incidents going unreported, or having inconsistent details. 

"It doesn't mean we make light of it. We still investigate every one of them. A stat means nothing to someone who was robbed. It means nothing to someone who was assaulted. They just want to know that they're going to have justice for them being violated," said Fahey.

Fahey says despite the concern in Elmwood Village, overall crime in the district is down 13%.

He says there is an increase in shots fired cases and car break-ins — crimes of opportunity where cars are left running with the keys inside. 

"Then those vehicles are used in other crimes. So, it's a big problem. Lock your car doors, don't leave valuables open so that everyone can see them, don't leave them running. Don't leave them unattended and running. That would help us out immensely," said Fahey.

If you're a crime victim or a witness to one, you're urged to call 311 or 911.