SAN JUAN – Abandoned homes continue to be demolished in San Juan as part of a city operation.

It’s called Operation Crackdown. A total of 32 houses were flagged for demolishing in 2014.

San Juan Police Chief Juan Gonzalez said the project helps reduce crime in the city.

The houses flagged are abandoned at risk for arson, trespassing, drug house operations and human smuggling amongst other areas.

“Houses are abandoned. They’re unsecured, they’re unprotected. We’ve seen kids in there. We’ve seen people walk inside there. In these two houses we had complaints about people staying here, trespassing and so forth. So it’s a good program that the city has that we want to maintain our community safe,” Gonzalez said.

Before the demolition takes place, the city gets permission from the homeowner to tear down the property.

Gonzalez urges people in the community to contact police or code enforcement if they believe there’s a home that qualifies for Operation Crackdown.