ATHENS, Ga. -- More and more property crimes are hitting the Athens community and police said the area is on target to have its highest level of property crime since 1976.

Police said the bad economy may be to blame. Crime is up 36-percent, according to Athens police.

Authorities said the majority of property crimes are being committed by people 18 and under.

Investigators said thieves are primarily after small electronics, including iPods, cell phones, DVD players and flat screen TVs.

That’s why the Athens-Clarke County Police Department held a crime prevention meeting Thursday evening to inform citizens about increased criminal activity.

Police discussed crime prevention strategies with the public. Authorities said they are averaging 12 home burglaries a day in the Athens area.

To check out crime trends in your neighborhood, visit the following Web sites:

LINK: Athens Crime Map

LINK: Atlanta Crime Map

LINK: GBI Crime Statistics Database