Law enforcement has agreed to beef up patrols in rural parts of southeast La Plata County where residents say crime has gotten out of control. And residents have agreed to report crimes when they occur, which helps law enforcement document the need for increased patrols in the area.
Those were the takeaways from a community meeting held Wednesday night between law enforcement and residents of Allison, Arboles and Tiffany.
All three communities border the La Plata-Archuleta county line and sit just north of the Colorado-New Mexico border. Their remoteness often results in increased response times for law enforcement.
Residents called for the meeting after becoming fed up with thefts, trespassing and burglaries in the area. About 70 people attended, in addition to representatives from La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan (N.M.) county sheriff’s offices.
“I think we’ll have extra patrols,” said Holly Hott, a resident from Tiffany who helped organize the meeting. “They all agreed that response times can take 30 to 40 minutes or longer, and they all discussed different ways to try to change that and have more people out in the area.”
Law enforcement also verified they can cross county and state lines in emergencies.
Residents agreed to restart neighborhood-watch programs. And if residents see a crime, they’re encouraged to report it even if it doesn’t necessitate a response from law enforcement, Hott said.
“That was the main thing we got, is report every crime, even if it’s little, so it’s on record and it gives a better case for having more deputies out there,” Hott said.
“Even if you’re not calling the emergency number, you’re calling dispatch and reporting the crime so they have it on record.”
La Plata County Commissioner Julie Westendorff said residents left the meeting feeling better than when they arrived.
“Importantly, the meeting also provided an opportunity for local residents to talk to each other and share ideas,” she wrote in an email to the Herald.
La Plata County Sheriff Sean Smith and Archuleta County Sheriff Rich Valdez did not return calls Thursday seeking comment.
Others who attended included: Archuleta County Commissioner Michael Whiting, two La Plata County commissioner candidates, representatives from the Southern Ute Police Department and Tribal Council member Tyson Thompson.
shane@durangoherald.com
