Video: Community Safety Concerns

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Columbus, Miss. (WCBI) — Due to recent crimes happening in Columbus’ south side, residents want the city to help them take action.

Many people from the community showed up to Tuesday night’s city council meeting to voice their concerns.

“I love where I live, I’ve lived on south side for 38 years, and I don’t want to live anywhere else…”, says south side homeowner Jan Miller, “…but I want everybody to do their part.”

Miller has been a victim of home and car burglary in the past. She says a common crime is people pulling car handles to see if it open, and if it is, Miller said “they’ll ransack it.”

The residents are asking for increased police patrols and extra lighting in their neighborhood.

They’re also working to bring back a neighborhood watch program that uses text messages to alert neighbors of any suspicious activity.

Ward 5 city councilman Kabir Karriem says neighbors must get to know each other to build a strong community.

“We can’t be afraid to talk to the police and on the other hand, we have a very young police department and the…police officers, have to get out in the community and learn the people that they are patrolling and representing…”, said Karriem, “…it’s a two way street.”

While Karriem says he’s concerned about his ward, he hopes the city can come up with a comprehensive crime and safety plan to cover all areas of Columbus.

Karriem says areas like Railroad street also need the same attention.

The Mayor says the city has been aware of these crime issues and will work with the police department to increase patrols.

Columbus police are also using segways to patrol areas like downtown.