Downtown Mystic to have increased police presence this summer – NBC Connecticut

“No matter what part of Connecticut you come from, Mystic is a popular destination,” said Patti Keckeisen of Danbury.

From the shops to the restaurants, downtown Mystic takes on a whole new life in the summer.

“Mystic has grown tremendously in both population and visitor numbers,” said Margaret Macris, a business owner in the area.

Businesses like The Blue Horse and Mystic Sweets are happy about the traffic.

“It’s amazing because we do most of our business in the summer, which gets us through the slow winter months,” said Kristie Singleton, manager of Mystic Sweets.

But with business comes more chaos in the form of traffic.

“Horns beep because people are going through the crosswalk when it’s not the crosswalk, the stores have lines out the door and then you always have someone starting a problem somewhere,” Singleton said.

Some shop owners and residents in the area have asked for additional police presence to address Mystic’s growing popularity.

In response, Groton police are increasing their downtown patrols for the summer season.

“Pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic is increasing, parking is always an issue down in Mystic,” Groton Police Capt. Gregory McCarthy said.

Groton police said they will also closely monitor underage drinking, drinking and driving under the influence.

“Maybe you go into that bar and think, yeah, I’m going to be smart, I’m going to take a cab or something, but your judgment is impaired, you’re going to get behind the wheel and you’re probably going to meet us somewhere,” McCarthy said.

“It makes perfect sense, and I think parents would want additional security for both their children and the residents here,” Keckeisen said.

In addition, Groton police said they will also work with the U.S. Coast Guard to increase maritime patrols in the Mystic River, Thames River and Fishers Island Sound areas.

“We will enforce boating laws and also conduct vessel safety inspections to ensure our boaters can truly enjoy our waters safely,” McCarthy said.