Downtown business owners who belong to the healthcare cluster met with Police Chief Pedro Ariel Mendívil in order to address crime concerns in the area.

Medical District Public Safety Commission Chairman Leonardo Monge told the police chief that although no major high-profile crimes occur in the area business owners are concerned about burglaries.

Criminals enter businesses to steal equipment and vehicle items like batteries, Monge said.

Also, the businessman told the police the city decided to reduce the number of bicycle patrol officers. Patrolling by those agents led to reduced burglaries in the area, he said.

Monge said business owners are cognizant of the city’s financial situation, so the commission offered to cover expenses in order to increase the number of bicycle police agents. Chief Mendívil made a commitment to increase agents, patrol cars and actions in the area to make it safe.