Crime in Downtown Fargo on the Rise

(Fargo, ND) -- A months worth of Downtown Fargo crime showing a bit of an up tick in issues Wednesday.

The Fargo Police Department informing the public at a meeting at City Hall that within the months of April to May, there were 762 calls for service in the downtown area. Most of which were at the Engagement Center, near the former Police Department headquarters, and mostly involved thefts.

In the month of May, there were two aggravated assaults, including the Mexican Village stabbing and standoff, along with another outside of the Wells Fargo Bank. There were 44 total citations, mostly given to people drinking alcohol in public.

Over the months of May to June, the calls for service in downtown increased to 848. The aggravated assaults in Downtown Fargo increased to five, including fights at Fort Knox and Gladys Ray Shelter. Citations within the area increased to 50 with the highest trend being consuming alcohol in public.

Safety tips for retail stores were also provided during the report. They include:

• Having quality cameras, preferably of the surveillance variety
• Install silent alarms
• Keep on-hand money in the smallest amount possible or necessary
• Make frequent cash deposits
• Post signs saying things like "no bills over $50"
• Keep cash in a lock box or safe
• Find a way to secure employee's valuables

Officers also advised that businesses should never engage with a confrontational person. Instead, just call 911.