Video: Recent Shootings Impacts Businesses In Area

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Gunshots continue to ring out in Columbus.

There has already been four shootings this week.

Many business leaders said a spike in crime can impact how people view the area, including shoppers and tourists.

East Columbus residents say hearing gun shots is becoming a familiar sound.

Recent shootings are causing concern for both residents and businesses.

“If you’re business is down because of a crime, because of shootings, because of anything, then you can not hire employees,” Farmstead Restaurant owner Paul reeves said.

Reeves said when it comes to picking a location to run a business, crime rate is a major factor.

“Oh, absolutely,” he said. “If your customers are not comfortable in that location, they’re not gonna come to your business.”

In previous interviews economic developers told WCBI that news reports help business owners see what’s happening in the community. Mangers can also find crime rates online.

Reeves said those reports are helpful.

Despite the shootings, Reeves said he still feels safe and his restaurant hasn’t had a let up in business.

“Every town has its areas and problems and you know, that’s gonna happen, but I think East Columbus has gotten a bad rap because its not a bad area,” Reeves said.

Visit Columbus CEO Nancy Carpenter said despite an up tick in gunfire, it hasn’t stopped tourists from coming to the city.

“We have wonderful dinning establishments and shopping opportunities in Columbus, and you know, we have 15 hundred hotel rooms,” she said. “Our revenue has been up, and it’s been greater than its ever been so I do think that there’s been people that are coming.”

Carpenter said there hasn’t been a problem scheduling more events.

“I’ve just not heard anyone say that they’re frightful of visiting here,” Carpenter said.

If you have any information, you can leave an anonymous tip on the crime stoppers tip line at 1-800-530-7151.