Dayton to block some streets, alleys to help fight crime

The city of Dayton is planning to barricade multiple roads and alleyways in east Dayton as part of efforts to “disrupt” crime patterns.

The city has identified four streets it plans to temporarily close off using concrete barriers near or at where they intersect with East Third Street, according to information recently shared with city leadership.

Barricades are planned for South Garfield, South Torrence, South Philadelphia and South Jersey streets. City officials did not say when the barricades would be erected or how long they would remain in place.

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The barriers will be placed at or just south of East Third Street, according to city plans. A barrier is also planned for the intersection of North Jersey Street and East Third Street.

Other barriers are planned for about six alleyways between South Garfield and South Jersey streets.

In the past, the city has closed off streets across Dayton using concrete barriers and metal gates, citing crime and safety concerns.

For instance, there is a metal gate on South June Street by DK Effect bar that blocks off the road to motor traffic heading south. The city has blocked off streets with gates to combat crime for at least as far back as the early 1990s.

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The Dayton police department has launched a “place-based” crime-fighting strategy to try to disrupt crime patterns.

Last year, police officials revealed that nearly 40 percent of shootings in Dayton are concentrated in small hot spots, scattered across the city.

The strategy, the details of which police officials have not shared publicly, focuses in part on taking away the places where violent offenders meet, hang out, live and support their criminal activities.

That part of East Dayton has problems with crime, most notably drugs and prostitution, and the new barriers are intended to disrupt crime patterns, said Connie Nisonger, community development specialist with the city.

The locations were chosen based on crime data. Public works will help close off the streets and alleys.

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