Year-long crackdown results in low crime rates for 2 Atlanta communities

ATLANTA, Ga. — After a year-long crackdown, Atlanta police say crime is now down in both the English Avenue and Vine City areas.

Police told Channel 2's Audrey Washington the crime reduction plan was a strategic initiative, beginning exactly one year ago. Now, police say crime, including robberies and shootings, is down by 38 percent.

"We have off-duty officers working specifically in those two neighborhoods," said Maj. Todd Coyt of the Atlanta Police Department.

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Authorities say the decrease in these areas helps to lower the total crime rate in Atlanta as a whole.

Shon Story, a neighborhood resident who serves in the English Avenue Neighborhood Association, said one year ago, she used to hit the floor each time she heard gunshots. Now, however, she says she has seen a major change.

"Crime has changed as far as gunfire, the murders, as well, are not as prominent," Story said. "There are still some issues that need to be addressed but I think as time goes on, we'll have a better and safer neighborhood."

Washington spoke with a member of the English Avenue Neighborhood Association who says one of the big changes is a drop in gun violence.

Coyt, who works out of Zone 1, says in addition to community support, the crime decline is also due to an increase in patrols, street light repairs and the Westside Blue Program.

"We have off-duty officers working specifically in those two neighborhoods," Coyt said.

Police also credited the crime reduction to their collaboration with the Georgia Department of Corrections. Together, they cracked down on abandoned homes that could attract drug use and other criminal activity.

"They'll help us secure that property so we don't have anyone going in committing more crimes," Coyt said.

Cox Media Group