Atlanta police say they’re fighting crime this summer with ‘Operation Heatwave’

The summer months can often lead to more crime, but Atlanta’s mayor Andrew Dickens and the Atlanta Police Department said no this summer.

Police say they’re turning up the heat with a new summer safety plan.

Berndt Petersen from Channel 2 was live along the Beltline on Ponce De Leon Avenue.

APD says it’s turning up the heat with new ‘Operation Heat Wave’

(DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for breaking news alerts)

This summer, you can expect to see more patrols along the Belt Line and in areas around the city considered more prone to violent crime.

Chyna Alexander and her friend Brie Ellis said summer nights are sometimes spent at home.

” There’s always something going on. I don’t go anywhere, especially at night. That’s when it really happens,” Alexander said.

APD says they get it, which is why they launched Operation Heatwave, a major anti-crime blitz that officials say has proven successful.

“We had a lot of success with this operation last year, with numerous drug and gun seizures and gang charges against repeat violent offenders,” said Mayor Andre Dickens.

Police will increase their efforts in high-crime areas and residents will see many officers on foot, on bikes and on horseback. Police will also respond quickly to street racing.

City

“If you’re thinking about street racing in Atlanta, think again. You’re going to jail,” said APD Chief Darin Schierbaum.

TRENDING STORIES:

City officials said the 2023 heatwave led to a decrease in shootings and robberies.

The 2024 version will also include the city’s new “Care” unit to respond to nonviolent calls, freeing up more armed officers to deal with serious incidents. And there will be many more summer camps, basketball leagues and more to provide safer activities for young people.

This is the part that Alexander and Ellis love.

“I think it’s better. It helps the community. I think it’s a good idea,” said Ellis, a student.

And police said the Beltline is one of those areas where you can expect to see more officers this summer.

(SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Newsletter)

IN OTHER NEWS: