Despite these statistics, it appears to many West Philadelphians that the number of crimes has increased in recent years and that crime has become more visible and more violent. Broken automobile glass litters many streets and empty crack vials are not uncommon. The rise in crimes associated with the drug trade and drug use are of particular concern. Juvenile crime is perceived to be growing. Auto theft and other crimes directed against property are also frequent and troubling.
Crime control is clearly a major problem in West Philadelphia.
Preventing Crime Without the active participation of the West Philadelphia community, the police are not likely to make significant inroads in preventing crime. They are, however, beginning to use new techniques which stress community involvement to prevent crime and to apprehend criminals. Increased information gathering, more contact with residents and more knowledge of the community all contribute to more effective prevention efforts. The provisions include measures to focus the Department more on local communities and to decentralize many of the operations of the Department. Motorized patrols, rapid response to calls for assistance and retrospective investigation of crimes are helpful, but they are insufficient strategies to staunch the rise in crime.