"Help us lower crime for 2012. Because right now, we're trending in the wrong direction," Says Abilene Police Chief Stan Standridge.
In just three months- 6 of 9 crime categories are on the increase in Abilene.
Police Chief Stan Standridge held a conference today to ask for citywide help in addressing the problem.
"Most of us think that crime is a neighborhood issue. We're seeing an increase in property crime across the city. So we need to respond as a community to these issues," Explains Standridge.
Violent crime, property crime and sexual assault are among the areas police are seeing a spike.
Some of the biggest targets lately have been homes and vehicles.
Police detailed a few hot spots-but say mainly it's everywhere.
"My message is not to one specific neighborhood, my message is to Abilene as a community. We need to perceive this as a very real issue moving forward in 2012," Said Standridge.
Although the cause of the spike can't be pinpointed, there is a place to start.
77% of the car burglaries have come from unlocked cars, so keep them locked. As well as your home, and any gates outside.
Even going as far as documenting serial numbers on valuables and electronics can prevent one of three factors driving crime.
"Desire, ability and opportunity," Said Standridge. "The only thing we have influence on is opportunity."
In just three months- 6 of 9 crime categories are on the increase in Abilene.
Police Chief Stan Standridge held a conference today to ask for citywide help in addressing the problem.
"Most of us think that crime is a neighborhood issue. We're seeing an increase in property crime across the city. So we need to respond as a community to these issues," Explains Standridge.
Violent crime, property crime and sexual assault are among the areas police are seeing a spike.
Some of the biggest targets lately have been homes and vehicles.
Police detailed a few hot spots-but say mainly it's everywhere.
"My message is not to one specific neighborhood, my message is to Abilene as a community. We need to perceive this as a very real issue moving forward in 2012," Said Standridge.
Although the cause of the spike can't be pinpointed, there is a place to start.
77% of the car burglaries have come from unlocked cars, so keep them locked. As well as your home, and any gates outside.
Even going as far as documenting serial numbers on valuables and electronics can prevent one of three factors driving crime.
"Desire, ability and opportunity," Said Standridge. "The only thing we have influence on is opportunity."
