WPD credits ABC Review Policy for drop in downtown crime

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Downtown crime continues to decrease.

Wilmington’s police chief says over the past few years they have seen a 68 percent decline.

Chief Ralph Evangelous credits that to the city’s ABC Review Policy. A committee decides whether existing alcohol licenses can continue for businesses that apply. Evangelous says they have successfully gotten rid of the problems bars.

“That has had kind of a cause and effect,” Evangelous said. “A lot of our proprietors down there are more responsible, and they’re running good businesses. They work well with us. We work well with them. I just think it’s a good environment right now.”

City Council will discuss whether to keep the ABC policy at their next meeting in September.