More than 20 arrested in DeKalb police crackdown

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County police made more than 20 arrests in a crime crackdown.

Officers are on high alert after a recent killing, several robberies and car thefts. Channel 2's Ryan Young was the only reporter with them Friday as they hit the south side streets. The county's police chief said they plan to be there for the next 30 days.

"We want the public to feel a sense of security. We want the criminal element in this area to feel unsafe," Sgt. Anthony Weaver told Young. 

In less than an hour and a half, police had made four arrests. At a food mart, police showed Young a bottle of crack as they arrested a man outside the store.

"We're pulling a lot of bad people off the streets and many who we know that have been involved in a number of burglaries," Police Chief Cedric Alexander said.

He said one challenge they face is the age of some of the suspects.

"A lot of young kids are involved in some of these burglaries, and we arrest them and often times they are right back on the streets again," Alexander said.

DeKalb police are working with the Atlanta Police Department in the operation.

"We have a great community and a great community of people who are helping us," Alexander said.

WSBTV