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Battling Crime

CRIME IS running rampant in the Ohio Valley. Be it of the violent nature or petty theft, local residents harbor safety concerns like never before.

The economy is one definite reason for the spike in illegal activity. An accompanying factor is the constraints that many — if not all — local police departments are shackled with.

Police forces throughout the area are trying to do more with less. Such a scenario may never change as funding sources, especially levies, are tough nuts to crack.

We are blessed with many outstanding police departments in the Ohio Valley, but shrinking staff and outdated equipment make it extremely difficult for them to carry out their duties as they would like.

That is why we like the approach being taken in one Bellaire neighborhood.

A crime watch program is being initiated in West Bellaire. It is a worthwhile venture borne out of necessity.

West Bellaire is a residential and scenic section of the All-American Town. It numbers 700-plus people.

But although it is a excellent place to live and raise children, West Bellaire is not immune from crime. Many break-ins to homes and cars have been reported in the area as of late while an armed-robbery has also taken place.

West Bellaire residents have taken matters into their own hands and established a crime watch. We commend them for being pro-active against crime.

Residents now have each others backs, namely watching neighbors’ homes, property and vehicles from intruders. Moreover, West Bellaire residents will also be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles or activity in their neighborhood.

The West Bellaire group has enlisted the Bellaire Police Department for counsel and will work closely with the force in the future. The residents will meet on a regular basis to compare notes and report on any abnormal activity or trends.

Crime watch programs make sense. Teamwork and cooperation are needed, but should be found in plentiful supply when bidding to ensure safety in one’s backyards.

We salute West Bellaire for its crime-prevention crusade and encourage other communities to follow suit.

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