GRAHAM, N.C. — The Graham Police Department has limited resources but they're not letting it stop them from keeping people safe.
They’re using technology to place officers in areas where they’re needed most.
Shattered glass and busted-out windows are becoming a common sight for people living in the Watercourse and Waterside neighborhoods in Graham.
In that area last weekend alone, Lt. Josh Payne said they took reports of 20 cars broken into or stolen.
"They’ll come in spurts," Lt. Payne said. "It's happening more often than we’d like it to. Most of this could be prevented if you lock your doors and remove valuables."
While police encourage the community to stay vigilant, Lt. Payne said the department has a new Patrol Supervisor dashboard that’s helping officers better address citizen concerns.
" Our officers open it up they get some brief details and we have where our officer can put in details of what they’ve been doing," Lt. Payne said.
Before break-ins were prevalent police were getting complaints about traffic violations. Adjustments made using this new system helped them give drivers peace of mind.
"Whether it be speeding or stop sign violations that were concerns for the community due to wrecks," Lt. Payne explained. "We were able to address those and put out the enforcement and get those situations resolved."
Their main focus now is to use the new database to track down folks who are breaking into vehicles.
"We’re deploying officers in the areas we historically see these break-ins," Lt. Payne said. "They happen at night mostly. Our patrol officers are going to be there along with regular patrols."
Lt. Payen said their next project is to reduce dangerous crashes.
He said the system has helped them identify the city’s highest crash locations.