Fayetteville police said they don't have hard numbers on crime in the city, but a preliminary report earlier this year showed robberies up 23 percent and burglaries up 12 per cent over last year. They are rising numbers that are leading many residents to take desperate action.
Joanne Neal is terrified. Thieves have broken into her home twice in the past month!
"This is not a good area. This is not good. I have called police and asked them to patrol more," said Neal. "They haven't been patrolling."
Ray Cox was at police headquarters Monday reporting that thieves had stolen many of his power tools while he was out of town this weekend.
"My wife called 911. The law came out and checked everything," said Cox. "They said that's about all they can do because they say there are break-ins everyday. And it's ridiculous. Nobody can't have nothing."
This spike in crime, however, is good for business at Jim's Gun Shop. Ted Harris said his business is booming.
They are buying shotguns. They are buying pistols," said Harris. "Concealed permits classes went up. Introduction to handguns class went up too. Even have lawyers taking courses here, and last week school teachers."
Fayetteville police take the crime numbers seriously. This past summer, the department requested funding to hire 22 more officers over the next few years. Police are warning residents to cautious and vigilant.
"The best defense is to look out for one another, and to contact police if you see something suspicious," said Gavin MacRoberts, with the Fayetteville Police Department.
Clearly this is as much a problem for this community as well as the police.
Residents say they have seen officers going door to door in some neighborhoods telling residents to secure their homes and stay vigilant. For now, that seems to be the best advice.
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