CAMBRIDGE, Md. - Cambridge Police are proposing a new method of combating crime in one neighborhood.
They have proposed an idea to install retractable fences to limit the car and foot traffic within one area.
Cambridge Police Chief Justin Todd says consistent traffic moves up and down Greenwood Ave. and around the Calvin Mowbray Park and Stephen Camper park neighborhoods. He says the amount of foot and vehicle traffic within the area could be the reason for consistent crime. And, they have found that the crimes being committed are not by residents.
"What we found is most of the crime, most of the calls of service we get there are for people walking (pedestrian) foot traffic or vehicles. We've had drive by shootings. We've had people shot and killed on that street and they're not residents of that neighborhood," says Todd.
So, Cambridge police are looking to install retractable fences. They would be closed 24/7 with the exception of emergency vehicles.
One would go on Greenwood Ave. forcing any cars or people to turn around. The only in or out would be Washington St. One would go near the corner of Camelia St. and Rosemont Ave. And, one would block a highly used walking trail.
Chief Todd says this method has been proven to work.
"The goal would be to reduce crime. It's been done throughout the nation, its been done here in Maryland. It has shown to reduce crime."
Some people say they're on board with the idea.
Carolyn Sharpe says, "It would be very helpful because a lot of people get cars full and I guess they just really encourage them to do the wrong things."
The police department says discussions will continue. It will be up to the Cambridge council to have the final say.