May 24, 2012
Knoxville, Tenn. (WVLT)-- More than 50 friends and neighbors gathered, with top law officers, at the Hillcrest United Methodist Church in South Knoxville Thursday night to talk about how to stop crime in their community.
Knoxville's Chief of Police David Rausch, Knox County's Sheriff Jerry Jones and Knox County's Attorney General Randy Nichols attended to answer some of their questions, and give them solutions to their crime problems.
Problems some said have gone from bad to worse over the years.
Sally Nelson has lived in South Knoxville for the past 24 years. She said she's had her home broken into seven times in the past couple of years.
"Last October, they kicked the door in and got my jewelry," Nelson said.
Over the last 6 months, Janice Tocher said her neighborhood has seen a spike in car and property theft.
"I feel safe, but don't feel safe with what's happening to our property," Tocher said.
Police said drugs are to blame.
"Our crime in this city is focused on property crime. People are stealing so they can obtain narcotics and that's what we're seeing. That's the driver for what's happening in the community," said Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch.
He said community involvement plays a big role in curbing crime, and advised everyone to watch out for each other.
"The people are our eyes and ears. When they see something happen, call us. Let us know," he said.
In the meantime, residents said they will continue to hold these forums and work with law enforcement to take back their streets.
"We feel like their on our side," Tocher said.
