Lockport Police to crack down on crime

LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WIVB) - Authorities are launching a new mission to take a bigger bite out of crime in Lockport due to crime rates jumping to alarming levels.

Mayor Michael Tucker and a number of local officials are declaring the neighborhood around the old Harrison Radiator plant an "impact zone" after a spike in criminal activity being blamed on mostly out-of-town criminals.

"We are drawing a line in the sand, here. Most of the trouble we have had in the recent time here has been from people who are from out of town," Mayor Tucker said.

Police are investigating two recent shootings, including one outside a gas station two weeks ago that sent a local man to the hospital. And police are still on the lookout for the two suspects caught by a surveillance camera. Police believe they are from out-of-town.

Hours before Friday's press conference, Lockport Police made a drug arrest in the neighborhood. The suspect told police he is from Niagara Falls, but authorities believe he is actually from Rochester.

The old plant, now known as Harrison Place, is being primed for new business and a Medina company, Trek, Inc. has committed to bringing 100 of its workers to the complex. The mayor is bringing in State Police and the Niagara County Sheriff's Office to bolster the city's own police in the crackdown, which will include traffic roadblocks.

Property owner Jim Timkey says the crackdown is long overdue.

"I think it is something that should have been done a while ago. The latest incident with the shooting is a good reason for it to be tipped off now, and I think any landlord in the area is going to support him," Timkey said.