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The Colonie Police Department has initiated "Operation Light It Up" to combat car thefts in the area. The program, announced on Monday (April 28), aims to raise awareness about the importance of outdoor lighting in deterring crimes like car larcenies. According to Colonie Police Chief James Gerace, residents can help by ensuring their vehicles are locked and their home's exterior lights are on at night.
In 2024, the town experienced over 100 vehicle thefts, but the numbers have decreased significantly this year. As of now, there have been only 29 reports, a substantial drop from 72 at this time last year. Chief Gerace attributes this decline to increased community involvement and strategic police deployment.
To further promote the initiative, police officers are distributing placards with the "Operation Light It Up" message on mailboxes throughout neighborhoods. The operation is expected to continue year-round, with results being tracked to measure its effectiveness. Chief Gerace encourages residents to report any car thefts immediately, emphasizing the importance of community-police partnerships in reducing crime.
News10 reports that the police are focusing on areas with insufficient outdoor lighting, which have been identified as hotspots for car thefts. Officers are also conducting nighttime patrols to assess lighting conditions and engage with residents.