Students want more police patrols after string of burglaries

While an armed robber is still on the loose, residents in East Campus are fearful for their safety, saying more police patrols would help them feel safer.

The robber may not be the only one police are looking for — there have been a string of burglaries on Ross Street before the armed robbery on University that may be two different suspects.

While ABC 17 was investigating the recent crimes, many students repeatedly told reporters they don’t see enough police patrol in their neighborhood. Now, they’re asking for more, saying it may help deter crime.

“I never see any in this neighborhood, only downtown, and with everything going on, that’s pretty scary,” resident Kate Kerkorian said.

“I think I would feel better with more police patrols, I think it would help,” another resident, Katie Harris, agreed.

Police are out in the neighborhood responding to calls for service — lots of them. But many residents said that’s the only time they see police.

ABC 17 News broke down just how often police respond to calls. Within just the last year, police responded to 1,932 calls on just eight streets. Those calls range from little things like peace disturbance and parking violations to big things like armed robberies and burglaries.

“That’s scary, but I’m not shocked. Don’t they see based on those numbers that we need more police here?” Kerkorian said.

“What will it take to see change? How many more burglaries, assaults…what will be the tipping point?” resident Kait Boisnard asked.

But it wasn’t just the patrols residents throught needed improving.

“We definitely need more lighting. It’s even uneasy walking home from the library at 9:30 at night,” neighbor Amy Nelson said.

Residents started a petition to get more lights in East Campus last year but so far, nothing has changed.