Edmond Police Focus On Crime Spike Along Danforth

A recent spike in crime along Danforth between Santa Fe and Boulevard has some Edmond homeowners on edge.

The police department acknowledges there have been more incidents along Danforth and they're trying to take care of the problem by ramping up patrols.

There was a deadly home invasion near Danforth and Boulevard. A 15 year old was home alone when some criminals tried to force their way into her house near Kelley and Danforth. Thieves ripped off the Walmart at Santa Fe and Danforth, and then one of them tried to bribe a nearby homeowner to hide him.

And on Monday, July 15, there was an attempted abduction at that same Walmart.

News 9 researched and discovered the top ten places in Edmond where police were called out to last year. That Walmart on Santa Fe, and the Rolling Green Apartments on Boulevard, are in the top four.

The Edmond Police Department tracks the hotspots for crime around the city. Recently, calls to addresses along Danforth have jumped. The main reason Edmond Police think crime along Danforth has gone up is the recent development with new businesses opening up and homes going in, which means more people in the area.

"It's just a matter of shifting focus," said Edmond Police spokesperson Jenny Monroe. "It's just kind of a wave. We just ride the wave of crime and see where we need to be.

The department is using a state grant to pay officers overtime as they target the Danforth corridor.

Homeowners in the area gladly welcome the beefed-up patrols.

"I've seen them drive through a lot more frequently and that does make me feel safer," said resident Verna Poe. "However, I do keep my front door locked when I didn't used to."