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NEWARK – Crime in Newark is down 11 percent overall, Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today as the year hits its half-way mark.

“We could not do this without help of the community,” Ambrose said, in speaking about the overall reduction in crime.

Crime in the city is down in almost every category from last year in double digit percentages. Murders are down 13 percent, rapes down 10 percent, thefts and burglaries are down 13 and 14 percent, respectively. Auto theft is down 27 percent. Non-fatal shooting incident are also down 14 percent.

In January, Ambrose began an initiative to create special Crime Detention Teams (CDT) in all seven city precincts in addition to regular patrols and other means of law enforcement.

The initiative has been working because, Ambrose said, “of our partnership with the community.”

The CDTs have been responding to areas where the volume of citizen complaints are highest day to day.

“The idea was to support the precinct commanders with focused attention on these areas,” Ambrose said. “This was about enforcement of all laws and addressing quality of life issues.”

Since the Crime Detention Teams (CDT) were launched, these special teams have made 413 arrests and confiscated about 2,100 decks of heroin, 1,300 vials of cocaine and 437 bags of marijuana, with another 225 grams of loose marijuana.

Drug money confiscated totaled nearly $28,500.

The teams also took 12 weapons off the street.

In addition, the CDTs also handed out nearly 1,500 moving violations, gave out 250 parking tickets and 130 quality of life summons, which included offenses like drinking and urinating in public, panhandling, prostitution and other public nuisance offenses.

For any crime, the public can always call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.

Anonymous tips may also be made using the Police Division’s website at: www.newarkpd.org or through the Newark Police Division Smartphone App available at iTunes and Google Play.