Lawmakers, constituents and law enforcement discuss crime, traffic issues
SEAFORD, Del. – This morning in Seaford, lawmakers, constituents and law enforcement put their heads together to tackle crime and traffic issues.
The discussion at Wednesday’s meeting in Seaford focused on what the police had been able to accomplish in 2024, and how much they have left to do.
“The key takeaways from this morning were the strategies that were applied for 2024, how they were successful and the work that continues at Troop 5,” said Master Cpl. Lewis Briggs III with Delaware State Police. “Also to discuss the strategies for 2025 to reduce crime and reduce traffic collisions.”
On Wednesday morning, members of Delaware State Police, along with members of the Laurel and Seaford Police Departments, sat down with residents to discuss crime in their communities.
“Key accomplishments for Troop 5 were the reduction of crimes involving firearms, thefts and burglaries,” said Briggs.
According to Delaware State Police, burglaries were down 18%, there was a 4% reduction in thefts and a 56% reduction in shooting incidents in 2024.
Firearms related arrests also exceeded the 2024 goal of 33, nearly doubling with 54.
“To see the coordination is there, both from the state police and the municipals, they work together to provide the safety of our communities,” said State Rep. Danny Short. “I think a lot of folks forget that these agencies are not islands unto themselves, they work together and share their resources in a lot of cases when the need arises.”
Gun violence was also a topic of discussion at the meeting. Rep. Short said some of the gun violence seen in the community comes from younger individuals.
“I think on the gun violence issue that we need to be able to provide education for our kids and the younger community to let them know these are not acceptable habits in a lot of cases,” said Rep. Short.
Short says he hopes to have a follow up on this meeting down the road.
Delaware State Police has a new crime map on their website.
You can find that link by visiting DSP.Delaware.gov.
