Shoppers and businesses in League City may soon see a reduction in retail crimes, thanks to a new initiative by the League City Police Department. The formation of the Business District Unit is designed to focus on preventing property crimes along the busy Interstate 45 corridors.
This specialized unit aims to target retail theft, vandalism, and other crimes affecting the area.
Focus on Business Districts
The Business District Unit will primarily serve more than 300 businesses located along the Gulf Freeway, stretching from FM 518 to FM 646. Although League City already had officers patrolling the area, this new team will be dedicated exclusively to addressing crime in this high-traffic retail zone.
Lt. Gabe Gonzales explained that while the unit has begun its work, the full impact is still to be seen, as officers are in the early stages of building relationships with store managers and loss prevention teams.
The Role of the Unit
The unit is fully staffed with six team members whose job is to focus on crime prevention in retail spaces. Their efforts will center on reducing theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities in the area.
Lt. Gonzales noted that the team is actively engaging with local businesses to strengthen partnerships and enhance communication with store security.
Funding and Background
The initiative was made possible through a grant awarded in 2023 by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. In the past two years, around 20% of the city’s service calls came from this area, highlighting the need for a more focused approach to tackling retail crime.
Impact on Property Crime
According to Lt. Gonzales, the city has already seen a small decrease in property crime over the past year, but the need for continued efforts is clear.
Despite the reduction, the business district remains a hotspot for criminal activity. The new unit will address the growing concern of retail crimes, which have been on the rise in recent years.
Why the Business District?
The League City retail district is a prime target for criminals due to its accessibility, being located along the freeway with close proximity to Houston and Galveston. Officer Jose Ortega, the public information officer for the department, explained that the area’s convenience makes it attractive to those seeking to commit crimes.
He advised shoppers and restaurant-goers to take precautions, such as locking their vehicles and reporting any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
The creation of the Business District Unit marks an important step in the effort to reduce retail crime in League City. With a dedicated team focusing on crime prevention and building strong relationships with local businesses, the city hopes to see a safer, more secure environment for both shoppers and business owners.
