NHPD updates public on gang activity

The Nags Head Police Department has received numerous calls of concern regarding a presentation on gang awareness, given on January 16, by the Kill Devil Hills Police Department. The information presented at this meeting is correct in that law enforcement has encountered gang members in Dare County over the last 12 months and most of these individuals were from the Elizabeth City area.
There seems to be an impression gang members are the primary perpetrators of crime within our community. To date, the Nags Head Police Department can show no statistically relevant correlation between residential burglaries and gangs.
Elizabeth City has experienced gang-related criminal activity in the past and it’s understood some of these individuals frequent Dare County. All local law enforcement agencies are striving to educate our officers on recognizing gang methodology, in order to deter gangs from our area.
The Nags Head Police Department believes the best way for citizens and visitors to protect themselves against property crimes is by using the following basic crime prevention techniques:

Lock their vehicles when unattended

Store valuables out of sight

Lock exterior doors and windows

Security lighting should be installed on exterior of residence, etc.

These prevention tips are not new; the police department has sent out numerous messages on basic crime prevention techniques using radio, email, and town newsletters, hoping citizens will recognize their importance.
Citizens should not panic or be overly concerned with the information that was shared during the meeting. The message was only intended to provide information on this issue, to remind everyone to be observant/vigilant in their daily routine and to ask for the community’s assistance by reporting all suspicious activity.
If you should have additional questions or concerns regarding this issue, please feel free to contact Police Chief Kevin Brinkley at kevinbrinkley@townofnagshead.net or 252-441-6386.