The recent uptick in drug and gang-related incidents in the downtown and campus area reflects a citywide trend, the Madison Police Department said Tuesday.
The apprehension of around 25 suspects seems to have decreased recent occurrences of violent robberies that Madison Police Department Spokesperson Joel DeSpain calls ""pick ‘em up, knock ‘em out""-type muggings. However, an increase in crimes related to heroin use continues to be a significant problem citywide.
There is ""an epidemic of heroin-related problems"" not only downtown, but throughout the city, DeSpain said.
""It cannot just be a police response, but a health problem as well,"" DeSpain said. ""We need to get people out of these drug habits.""
In terms of gang-related criminal issues, DeSpain said police noticed a trend of ""pick ‘em up, knock ‘em out"" muggings that occurred from late April to early August.
Although police have arrested many gang-affiliated suspects, DeSpain said incidents still occur downtown and throughout the city, such as the battery on W Gorham St. last weekend.
According to the report, a Madison man, 22, was walking home when two men, 18 and 21, attacked him on the 200 block of W. Gorham St. The victim was transported to a hospital for minor facial injuries. The two men were arrested when found by police on University Avenue and Lake Street minutes later.
""We're not dealing with one or two people to arrest,"" DeSpain said. ""We're dealing with a criminal mindset.""
DeSpain said the MPD is working to prevent further crime by placing regular police patrols where crimes are happening, as well as increasing surveillance.
In addition, police have increased bike patrol surveillance in response to crimes that occurred recently on bike paths throughout the city, DeSpain said.
""We're constantly being diligent with these crimes and so should the community,"" DeSpain said. ""These people prey on folks who are vulnerable, who are walking alone at night.""
