Neighbors say area has improved since gang raid
BY CHRIS GAETANO
Staff Writer

SOUTH BRUNSWICK - Jeffrey Circle, once the site of numerous criminal complaints, has drastically improved as of late, according to both police and neighborhood residents.

Police raided a house on that street in late June and apprehended three alleged gang members on drugs, weapons and burglary charges. During a Township Council meeting after the incident, residents said that Jeffrey Circle had a history of criminal activity, largely emanating from that one house, which neighbors said was a hideout for gang members. Offenses attributed to people at the house included drug dealing, mail theft, vandalism and much more. Stating that they were being terrorized by the people living there, residents called on the police to address the problem once and for all.

In response, Chief Raymond Hayducka summoned the house's landlord, who had been accused of ignoring the alleged criminal activities, to police headquarters to meet with both himself and the various residents in order to resolve the dispute between them. The meeting was fruitful, according to Ryan, and allowed everyone to air their grievances and come up with a plan.

Since then, authorities have been paying extra attention to Jeffrey Circle, with Hayducka putting a comprehensive plan in place to address the residents' concerns. According to Ryan, he has directed specific officers to follow up, and also asked for fire safety, code enforcement and health department officials to review the conditions at the residence. Since the meeting, there have been 28 directed patrols in the area, with marked patrol units traveling through the neighborhood.

"These increased patrols have seen a marked decrease in gang activity in the area," Ryan said.

Denise Cariello, a Jeffrey Circle resident, agreed that the situation has vastly improved once further attention was placed on the area. One big reason could be the fact that, according to her, the house's previous residents, who were supposedly harassing their neighbors, have since moved out. Cariello thanked various parties for helping.

"I think we owe a big thank you to the mayor and the papers for reporting it, because I don't think, without the push, they would not have moved as fast, but the mayor was very helpful," said Cariello.

There have been no reported problems in the area during the past three weeks, and Hayducka would like to keep it that way.

"I will bring the full force of my department and this township to bear on any group or individual who tries to compromise the quality of life we enjoy," Hayducka said.