Police patrols boosted at East Bay shopping center due to crime spike

ANTIOCH, Calif. ( KRON ) — When the temperatures rise in the summer, often crime does too. That’s been the case in Antioch where the police department is increasing its presence at one shopping center.

On a recent early morning, a calm and mostly empty parking lot at the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center in Antioch was a welcoming environment for shoppers.

“I choose to come first thing in the morning. That seems to be the best time,” said shopper Laura Parsley.

Many shoppers are making their purchases in the daytime rather than at night.

“I know that there’s a lot of activity around here. I try not to come here — actually, I don’t ever come around here in the evening time,” said another shopper who gave her name as just Sheri.

Crime can happen at any time, but shoppers are taking precautions in light of a rise in thefts, burglaries and other recent incidents. It hass prompted the Antioch Police Department to bolster patrols at Slatten Ranch.

“I know there was the body found back there. I know there’s a lot of homeless back in this area here, and I notice there’s stores closing down. So, that in itself says a lot,” said Sheri.

By increasing patrols, police hope to improve response times to active crimes in progress.

“Anytime we can add extra patrols, it helps the community feel safe. But more importantly, it also lets — sends a strong message to those who are potential criminals — don’t come here and do that,” said Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe.

Police recently shared video of a wanted suspect accused of burglarizing the JCPenny store down the street from Slatten Ranch and making away with nearly half a million dollars worth of jewelry last month. Still, some shoppers are concerned about an increased police presence in the area, considering the police department’s recent history of corruption and abuse of power.

“I think it’s really going to take the community and us having a greater passion for our community, because if we do better, then we won’t need the police to come in and really help us to do so,” said another shopper who identified herself just as Keyanna.

Either way, you should expect to see an increase in the number of officers on foot and in cars at the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center through the summer.

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