Effort curbs crime at hotels along Midlothian Turnpike

Crime is down around hotels Richmond officials say police have tamed Midlothian corridor

Richmond police are cleaning up hotels and working off tips -- but it has nothing to do with housekeeping.

City authorities yesterday declared a success the yearlong initiative to curb crime at hotels along Midlothian Turnpike. The four-phase plan has reduced robberies, aggravated assaults, drug dealing and prostitution in the corridor, said Richmond Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Alexander Taylor.

Patrol officer Stacy Rogers said hotel owners and managers have assumed an active role to combat crime in the area, meeting quarterly with police to discuss concerns and ideas.

"Sometimes I joked that I've been bored at night here on Midlothian because it used to be almost like the wild, wild West," Rogers said. "If you came out on midnights with me . . . and looked at where we were two years ago and where we are today, it's night and day."

Bill Patel, owner of the Richmond Inn Hotel and Suites at 6346 Midlothian Turnpike, worked with police to install security cameras and signs. He also requires guests to provide photo identification, and he observes traffic to and from hotel rooms.

"We have an open-door policy" with police, Patel said. "If they want to come in, we let them come in." -- Melodie N. Martin