SAYREVILLE — Technology is said to be the leading factor in the decrease of crime experienced by the borough in 1999.
According to the State Police Uniform Crime Report, Sayreville has seen a 38.8 percent decrease in total crime from 1998-99, and a 71.52 percent decrease in overall crime between 1985 and 1999. That may be because crimes have become more difficult to commit since the advent of the computer age, Chief of Police John Garbowski said.
"Police are getting more high tech," Garbowski said.
The chief believes violators are less likely to commit crimes they may have in the past since police, business owners and residents now have advanced technology at their disposal like video cameras, alarm systems, DNA testing and computers.
"We now have a better ability to keep an eye on crimes," Garbowski said.
Like many other towns, officials have been trying to bring the borough, and the police department, into the computer age.
Phase one of a two-part plan to upgrade police systems was completed last year. That plan included a new radio communications system, upgrades to the dispatch department and a new radio tower.
In addition to better technology, Sgt. John Pachkowski said he believes one contributing factor to the decrease in crime is the increase in police officers patrolling the 16.6 square miles that encompass the borough. The borough ended 1999 with a total roster of 76 police officers, a figure that has remained steady for the past few years.
With the decrease in total crime, certain areas saw a noticeable drop. The number of reported burglaries in the borough increased by 44.4 percent from 1998-99; robbery went down 21.73 percent; and larceny went down 14.35 percent.
In addition, aggravated assault dropped 10.71 percent in the past year and violent crimes decreased 16.3 percent.
As for this year, Garbowski said the borough now has 78 officers and three more recently entered the Cape May police academy. Those officers, graduating in January, will bring the number of officers to 82.
Garbowski said he hopes to hire more officers for 2001. He also anticipates several retirements next year so more officers will be needed.
However, Garbowski credited other factors besides the police department for the drop in crime from 1998-99. He said residential awareness was a contributing factor in the decrease.
Pachkowski agreed, adding that good information from local residents led to convictions in the past year.

