The 15 percent increase in home and business burglaries this year has led many people to install burglar alarms and keep a closer eye on their homes. But the president of the city's Neighborhood Watch says that more than 20 people have asked about starting their own groups. Volunteers say that the programs can make a significant impact.
"I've seen people looking, walking around, looking into people's windows around two or three in the morning. I've caught people taking off locks off people's garages, and then taking off after they've seen me," resident and neighborhood watch member Gary Oldham told the station.
The city's police force has also made a significant impact in the fight against violent crimes. Earlier this year, officials created Violent Crime Impact Teams to increase patrols in gang areas. KMJN reports that since the program began, the city has experienced its lowest homicide rate in a decade.
