The Danville City Council has passed an ordinance, forwarded last week by the Public Services Committee, designed to strengthen when a vehicle can be towed and impounded. It was during last week’s committee meeting that Police Chief Christopher Yates said towing and impounding should not only happen when a vehicle is involved, for example, in a felony situation like a high speed chase where somebody is injured.
The chief stated that when a vehicle is used as an asset in a robbery of a business, that vehicle should also be eligible to be towed and impounded. He especially emphasized robberies of local and family stores; because when smaller robberies of those add up, the business often does not survive.
AUDIO: I think we want to send a clear message. In the risks versus reward; the risks are starting to become greater. Because if you’re driving a vehicle, and you get picked up for retail theft; if you’re arrested or taken into custody, and then released; you may be released, but you’re going to be walking wherever you came from.
Police Chief Christopher Yates during Aug 26th Public Services Committee Meeting.
Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr agreed with the vote taken by the Council, recalling a situation where a drug store at Main and Bowman just could not make it anymore.
AUDIO: We had CVS close, and they specifically cited the amount of theft that happened. People complain about the lack of businesses in certain areas. We have to have some teeth to make sure we protect them; so that we can continue to have businesses for all the law abiding folks here in town.
The ordinance passed; with two no votes, coming from Aldermen Teague and Butler.
