Las Cruces Police Report 19% Crime Reduction Following 'Operation Not in Vain'
The Las Cruces Police Department, in collaboration with New Mexico State Police and New Mexico State University Police, has reported a significant reduction in crime following a months-long crackdown known as 'Operation Not in Vain.' This initiative, which ran from May to July, targeted high-crime areas in Las Cruces, including El Paseo-South Solano, West Picacho, and the vicinity of Apodaca Park. The operation resulted in six felony arrests, 44 misdemeanor arrests, 166 traffic citations, and the recovery of three firearms and one stolen vehicle. The operation was conducted every Friday evening, with officers working additional hours to address crime hotspots. The effort led to a 19.3% overall reduction in crime across the targeted areas, with specific reductions of nearly 32% in West Picacho and almost 23% around Apodaca Park.