CHICOPEE - Chicopee city councilors are discussing what can be done to reduce crime around the Walmart on Memorial Drive.
"This Walmart in Chicopee has been one of the highest crime Walmarts in the country for almost a decade now," said Councilor Derek Dobosz.
Dobosz says he wants to ensure all residents feel safe.
Chicopee resident Paul Hedeen said he’s at the Walmart three times a week to buy things like groceries and auto parts. He says he doesn't feel his safety is in jeopardy when he shops here.
"It doesn't affect me," Hedeen said. "I'm the consumer. I'm not the one going in there trying to get something for free."
Hedeen thinks shoplifting is a huge part of the problem and he’s noticed a police presence.
"When I come here I see cops in the parking lot and I know what they are here for. They aren't here for shopping," he said.
In 2018, the Chicopee Police Department received 935 calls to this Walmart. However, in 2019, they received 1,231 calls.
"Tax payers are paying for a police officer to be here and its clogging our police department," said Dobosz.
City councilors met with Walmart back in October. They said Walmart has since hired an outside firm and brought in new technology to increase it's security.
"We said we will give you three to four months to try your new security plan and if it brings down the crime, we'll work with you to find a solution," said Dobosz. "But, if it doesn't, we will force you to hire a police officer at your expense."
The public safety sub-committee will hold a meeting next month to go over the data and discuss a plan.
Walmart said in a statement they take the safety and security of it’s customers and employees seriously and is taking steps to improve the shopping experience.