The Wichita Police Department has created a task force to crack down on property crimes across the community, and the group is already reporting success.

The task force will work with local businesses to target retail thefts, car break-ins and other crimes, with a zero tolerance policy.  Police Chief Joe Sullivan says “The message is clear.  Wichita is a place where property crimes will be met with decisive action,” and the task force will be working to keep streets safe and businesses protected.

Chief Sullivan said in its first few weeks, the team has already conducted 80 investigations leading to 43 arrests and the recovery of 32 stolen vehicles and retail property valued at approximately $635,000.

The commanding officer of the task force is Captain Casey Slaughter, who is also the commander of the Police Department’s property crimes section.  He said there will be a strong focus on proactive and targeted strategies to address retail theft, auto thefts, burglaries, construction site burglaries and serial theft offenders.   The task force will gather intelligence on known offenders and high-risk areas, using surveillance, data analysis and Crime Stoppers tips.   Slaughter said there will also be enhanced patrols in high-risk areas and collaboration with businesses, the community and other partners.

Slaughter is calling on Wichita residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.  He says people should lock their cars, park in well-lit areas and they should not leave firearms or valuables in their vehicles.   Residents and business owners can report crimes through 911 or Crime Stoppers, and they should preserve any video evidence they may have.

Slaughter also has a warning for thieves:  “We’re aware of your tactics, we know you have lookouts in a lot of these stores, we have lookouts for your lookouts, we know where you’re fencing the property….You should no longer feel comfortable that you’re just going to walk into a retail store and walk out with a couple of thousand dollars worth of items and not have anything happen to you.”

Chief Sullivan said “Anyone who seeks to disrupt our neigborhoods’ peace, threaten our businesses, livelihood or undermine public safety will face swift and serious consequences.”