AUBURN HILLS SPEARHEADING AN EFFORT TO HALT CRIMINAL ACTIVITY AT HOTELS

Media Contact: Ryan Gagnon, Deputy Chief of Police, City of Auburn Hills; 248.364.6851; rgagnon@auburnhills.org 

Auburn Hills, MI—August 18, 2020—In an effort to address a recent spike in criminal activities at some of our local hotels/motels, the City of Auburn Hills has launched an initiative, “Operation Safe Stay”, to address the problem utilizing a holistic approach. Community safety remains a top priority for the City of Auburn Hills and having a solid strategy and new ways of thinking not only address any current concerns, but any future problems as well.

City staff, including the city administration, police department, code enforcement, and community relations have been working together on a strategy to address this problem. Staff have recently met with hotel management at these locations to develop a plan moving forward. We are pleased that the hotels want to partner with us to ensure that all guests enjoy a safe stay at their establishments.

The tragic deaths of four people within 24 hours at one hotel has shined a light on an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. It is not acceptable for guests to be victimized, property to be damaged/stolen, or criminals to be free to prey on innocent victims. Criminal activity will not be tolerated within our community. People should expect to see an increased presence of police at our hotels. They will be proactive in preventing crimes and addressing issues through education and enforcement.

"I think it’s important to stress that many of our hotels are safe. We have many hotel owners and operators who have a great reputation in our community. Our Police Department is taking proactive measures by meeting with our hotels and making sure they understand how important guest safety is in our community”, said Mayor Kevin McDaniel. “I appreciate the willingness of hotel owners and operators to work cooperatively with our police department. When it comes down to it, it is our goal to prevent any future criminal activity”, he added. 

“Operation Safe Stay” will address this problem through crime prevention, enforcement, adoption of a comprehensive local ordinance, and training of hotel staff.

ABOUT AUBURN HILLS
The City of Auburn Hills is a distinguished leader in southeast Michigan. Home to approximately 26,000 residents, as well as a workday population of approximately 100,000, Auburn Hills continues to be a thriving global business address. It is home to over 70 international corporations and hosts the World and North American headquarters for numerous outstanding businesses such as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Continental Automotive Systems, Faurecia, and BorgWarner. Auburn Hills’ residents enjoy the amenities of city and suburban living with parks, a revitalized downtown district and a welcoming city complex with a library and community center. Additionally, the city has five colleges and universities, and Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, one of the state’s largest destination shopping centers, which provides a variety of cultural, social and educational opportunities to residents, workers and visitors.