Albuquerque leaders unveil new security plan for Old Town

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Responding to a streak of vandalism in a historic corner of Albuquerque, the city is unveiling a new plan to help fight back. Some Old Town leaders say this plan is long overdue. It comes after thousands of dollars in damage to the Albuquerque Museum and neighboring businesses early Tuesday morning.

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“From our perspective, this has been a cry, we just want additional attention, for quite some time,” said J.J. Mancini, President of the Historic Old Town Association.

Businesses and residents in Old Town were pleading to the city for help after a week full of crime. On Tuesday, one store had a chair thrown through a window and one was even set on fire. Now the city says they’re stepping in to improve security in the area.

“We are trying to use a layered approach to law enforcement in our city, because we know that it doesn’t always take an officer with a badge and a weapon,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.

That layered approach includes increasing patrols with security and police, along with foot patrols around the museum and adding ShotSpotter technology throughout Old Town. The Albuquerque Police Department is also planning to set up portable and permanent cameras and help businesses link into the Real Time Crime Center.

Earlier this week, APD arrested 40-year-old Dominic Ayon, for vandalizing the Albuquerque Museum and multiple Old Town businesses. However, one business owner says catching the suspect is just part of a bigger problem.

“The courts need to step up. We need to figure out what to do and the legislature needs to help us with that. Keep these folks in jail that need to be there,” said Pete Kassetas, Outpost 1706 owner.

The city said it will also work to improve security at parking lots in Old Town.

“Over the past year, we’ve had a bunch of businesses who’ve been hurt by arson, by vandalism, etc. So one of the ways we can support them is by just come down here and rediscover Old Town again,” said Mancini.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue is still investigating if that suspect, Dominic Ayon had anything to do with the fire that damaged a nearby shop. Ayon is facing criminal property damage charges, so far. KRQE News 13 asked how much funding and how many cameras will be added to the Old Town security plan but APD said it’s still figuring that out.

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