Ward 28 Alder Tom Ficklin. Beaver Hills Alder Thomas Ficklin, Jr. sent out the following letter to constituents on Sept. 11 about crime in the neighborhood, and what to do about it.Dear Neighbor,I understand that the recent surge in violence and illicit activity in the Whalley/Beaver Hill area has left many of you feeling anxious and concerned. The recent shooting incidents, combined with increased foot traffic involving prostitution, drug-related activities, and gun violence at the corner of Whalley and Sherman, have heightened fears in our community.We recognize that Sam’s Mart has become a focal point for these troubling behaviors, serving as a gathering place for individuals engaging in illegal activities. This is not the community that we want for our families, friends, and neighbors.As your Alder, I assure you that I and the New Haven Police Department are working diligently to address these concerns.The police have taken proactive measures to restore peace and safety to our streets and will do everything they can to protect you and your loved ones. Your safety is our top priority.In times like these, it’s important that we all work together. We encourage you to remain vigilant and engage in the ​“see something, say something” approach by reporting any suspicious activities immediately by documenting incidents with photos or videos from a secure location, such as inside your home, which can greatly assist the police in identifying and apprehending those involved. Please remember that your safety is paramount, so do not take any unnecessary risks.Installing security cameras, like Ring cameras, around your home or parked vehicles can also help in identifying suspects and provide valuable evidence for law enforcement. Every bit of information helps in ensuring the safety of our neighborhood.The New Haven Police Department is also enhancing its efforts by training all officers in the use of stop sticks, which are tools that can effectively halt fleeing vehicles involved in dangerous criminal activities. While current laws limit their use strictly to vehicles involved in crimes beyond theft, this tool will help in instances where stolen cars are being used recklessly.Furthermore, the NHPD is forming a special task force in collaboration with Yale and Southern Police Departments to address the rise in car thefts associated with the ​“Kia boys.” This task force is dedicated to gaining deeper insights into these groups, recovering stolen vehicles, and bringing offenders to justice.We are a resilient community, and we will overcome these challenges together. Please know that we are here for you, and your voice matters. Let’s support one another, stay vigilant, and work together to restore the peace and safety our neighborhood deserves.If you have any concerns, questions, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 203 668‑4511. Together, we can and will make our neighborhood safer.Sincerely,Hon. Thomas Ficklin, Jr.Alder, 28th Ward