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By KARA O'CONNOR

Villager Staff Writer


WILTON -- Domestic incidents in Wilton have increased 85 percent in the past year, according to the Wilton Police Department.

Year-end crime statistics show that domestic incidents have increased from 60 in 2008 to 111 in 2009. An increase of 51 incidents is a substantial increase in only one year, said Wilton Police Chief Michael Lombardo.

"This is a pretty significant increase from 2008," he said. "Domestic calls are a concern of ours and I would definitely like to see a decrease in that area."

Lombardo suggested that the large increase in domestic violence was connected to the ailing economy.

"I would think that the downturn in the economy created extra stress on people overall," he said. "I think that has a lot to do with the increase."

The Wilton Police Department has worked with the Wilton Domestic Task Force since August of 2004, Lombardo said, and one of the goals of the department is to promote domestic violence awareness in town.

"I'm not happy that domestic incidents have increased, but the police department isn't just focusing on the crime aspect of it," said Lombardo. "If we can get people to the services that they need, to help them so they are more safe, that is a goal for us."

According to the 2009 crime statistics, there was a significant decrease in DUI (driving under the influence) arrests in Wilton. The DUI arrests went from 102 in 2008 to 65 in 2009, a decrease of 36 percent. According to Lombardo, this is a decrease the department is very pleased about.

"My hope is that through education and aggressive traffic enforcement, we have sent a message to people that drinking and driving will not be tolerated in Wilton," said Lombardo. "It's very dangerous and it's great to see that there has been a reduction in the past year."

Larceny was also down this past year, from 120 in 2008 to 104 in 2009; motor vehicle accidents went from 750 in 2008 to 665 in 2009; narcotics investigation went from 33 in 2008 to 27 in 2009; and criminal mischief went down from 124 in 2008 to 103 in 2009. Constant police presence around town is a reason these numbers have decreased in the past year, Lombardo said.

"The more presence you have in any community, and the more contacts you make with people, the less crime you have," said Lombardo. "I attribute these decreases to the aggressiveness of the officers. I'm pleased that our department is being as visible as they can."

The chief said he only has a few concerns for the year 2010.

"A major one is Route 7," said Lombardo. "It's tough because our officers need to be patrolling Route 7, but they also need to be on the side streets as well. It's tough to find a balance because drivers are now speeding on both and it's going to be tough to try and be everywhere."

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