Eau Claire Residents Look for Solutions to Rise in Crime

(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C., — Dozens of Eau Claire residents came out to the second meeting to discuss a growing number of concerns over a spike in crime. Some residents say they want to see a greater police presence, more code enforcement, and better security at area apartment complexes. A majority of the residents in attendance say the most effective option right now would be to install cameras along the streets to deter some of the crime ridden locations. But it’s an option City officials say they just can’t afford right now. Executive Director of the Eau Claire Community, Henry Hopkins says ” police need to realize this is part of the city too. The concentration in our hospitality districts and not in the community is unacceptable to us.” Still, City officials say they were only able to pay for the cameras in those hospitality districts like five points, by stretching eligibility requirements for the hospitality tax, which does not apply to residential communities. Police and city officials say they’re doing everything they can to help residents make changes to the number of violent crimes taking place in their neighborhoods. Including tearing down dilapidated homes to deter criminal activity, encouraging community watch programs, tracking crime hot spots and increasing patrols of the area. In fact, in the last two months, the Department has responded to 100 percent of their calls for service.