CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — Local Republican representatives joined Erie County Sheriff John Garcia in Cheektowaga on Wednesday to discuss public safety priorities.
Officials in attendance called for stronger efforts to combat car theft, improve law enforcement recruitment and retention, and enhance coordination between state and local agencies. They said more must be done to address the issue and protect communities.
“If you talk to anybody in Erie County, they could tell you firsthand that they’ve been victimized, or their neighbors have been victimized, their neighborhoods, with the surge of car thefts, the surge of car larcenies and property crimes,” Sheriff Garcia said during a news conference.
Garcia and others said improving coordination between state and local law enforcement is key to keeping communities safe.