Criminals looking for easy targets during the holidays be warned: Special details of Burlington County Sheriff officers will continue to patrol in towns along the River Line light-rail in December and into 2025. Burlington County Sheriff James Kostoplis announced the continuation of the patrols this week and provided a four-month update on the early results, saying Sheriff officers are providing a consistent presence at and near the River Line stations specifically to deter crime and to assist local police. “It’s been just over four months since the launch of our special details in River Line communities and we are pleased with the results to date,” said Sheriff Kostoplis. “Residents, commuters and business owners are seeing our officers in these communities and so are would-be lawbreakers. Their presence is creating a strong deterrence against property crimes like shoplifting, burglaries and package theft that often increase around the holidays.” Burlington County Sheriff James Kostoplis announced in August that the Sheriff’s Office would send officers into towns along the River Line to provide an additional police presence to help deter crime. The special details will continue this holiday season and into 2025.(Courtesy of Burlington County) Specifically, Kostoplis said Sheriff officers were deployed for special details in River Line communities 44 times between mid-August and late November, resulting in the following engagements and interactions: 395 property checks 3 arrests and 34 assists 7 prison transports to Burlington County Detention Center. “The early numbers are consistent with our objective to provide a visible police presence and cooperate with local police departments to assist them whenever possible,” Sheriff Kostoplis said. The special details are being funded with a $150,000 legislative grant. Kostoplis said there is sufficient funding remaining in the state grant to continue the details well into 2025. Senator Troy Singleton, who helped secure the special legislative grant in the FY2025 State Budget, said the early results from the Sheriff’s initiative were encouraging. “This unique partnership is addressing concerns we heard about safety and the need for a more visible presence along the River Line,” said Senator Singleton. “The early results from the Sheriff’s details are promising and we will continue to collaborate with local law enforcement, Sheriff Kostoplis and NJ Transit to further improve safety in these communities.” Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson said the cooperation between Sheriff’s officers and local police departments was setting an example for other counties to emulate. “The Sheriff’s Office is proving once more how it can be a difference-maker for our residents and communities,” said Hopson. “In just four months, these officers have had a positive impact on our River Line communities and brought greater peace of mind to commuters and residents. We look forward to hearing more results from this initiative in 2025.” Courtesy of Burlington County