With Minnesota under some variety of stay at home orders, there may be a silver lining to having nobody out and about, specifically reduced traffic violations and crimes.
That's what Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch has found.
"As of right now we're seeing a decline in all areas," Burch said. "People are really adhering to the governor's orders, so not a lot of traffic and not a lot of people out and about."
Likewise, Crow Wing County is seeing a sharp decline in incidents.
"Looking back at 2017, 2018 and 2019 - oftentimes, our volume of calls is about half of years past," Sheriff Scott Goddard said. "We see very minimal traffic, especially in the late evening hours, so if someone is out, they kind of stick out, so that is helping us. "
ADVERTISEMENT
Though fears of burglaries and break-ins seem evident on social media, Burch said such isn't the case.
--- --- --- --- ---
"We've had a few (business) burglaries, but it doesn't appear to be an uptick." - Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch
--- --- --- --- ---
"Speaking of businesses, it's about the same in that department," Burch said. "We've had a few burglaries, but it doesn't appear to be an uptick."
Goddard said his deputies have been instructed to keep a very close eye on area businesses during this time.
"Really our focus is to be visible right now," Goddard said. "We have a number of businesses in the area that are closed, and we have instructed our deputies to check doors, knock on windows and make sure places are secure."
Burch said it may be because there is a closer eye on those who are not staying home. Not only is law enforcement more able to watch for suspicious activity with fewer people on the streets, but those staying home are very watchful.
ADVERTISEMENT
"We are getting calls from folks that say, 'I saw a strange vehicle, and I thought people were supposed to be at home,'" Burch said. "People can go and do their necessities and that's good, but I think there's a little more pressure on the bad guys because there are a lot more people watching now than normal."
--- --- --- --- ---
"... I think there's a little more pressure on the bad guys because there are a lot more people watching now than normal." - Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch
--- --- --- --- ---
Goddard reminds residents that it is absolutely imperative to minimize personal contact as much as possible to protect the well-being of others, particularly the elderly and the immunocompromised.
"This is going to be harder as this drags out, but it is important for everyone to not go out if you don’t need to," Goddard said. "We understand people want to go for a walk, and that’s fine. If you want to go out for a drive, fine.
"If you have to go to the store, maybe have one person go instead of the whole family, and have a list so you can get in and out with minimal contact or exposure," he said.
