By Tayleigh Davis - bio | email
ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Crime is going down in some areas in Albany. Police credit stepped up patrols and active neighborhood watch groups.
WALB News Ten's Tayleigh Davis shows us how people in one neighborhood are trying to keep their community safe.
Larry Butler watched thieves break into his sister's home in broad day light last week.
"I hope they can find something else to do besides breaking into people's houses. That's dangerous," said Butler.
Albany Police Officer Leonard Bell spoke at the West District's neighborhood watch meeting Thursday. He says the groups continue to help cut down on crimes neighbors have experienced.
There's still a lot of work to be done. A family that just moved in says someone already stole two of their kids' bikes sitting our here near the alley.
The bikes were not locked up. Unlocked homes and cars are also easy targets. Police say now they're seeing kids as young as nine turn into thieves.
"Oh my goodness. I have a nine-year-old. I can't imagine him doing some of the things these kids are dong. I would be mortified," said Juanette Martin with the West Oglethrope Neighborhood Watch.
Many times when juveniles are caught they're returned to their parents or taken to a detention center. Soon enough they're right back out on these streets.
That's why this neighborhood watch group holds nightly walks to keep an eye out for thieves out on the prowl.
Police encourage neighborhood watch members to invite new neighbors to their meetings.They say you should call them if you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood.
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