Downtown Atlanta businesses concerned with uptick of crime during NBA playoffs

ATLANTA — Even though the Hawks’ run in the NBA Playoffs is bringing in extra business to downtown Atlanta, many are concerned about the uptick in crime.

Atlanta police are investigating a number of shootings overnight, including a triple shooting near State Farm Arena.

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Channel 2′s Audrey Washington says Atlanta police stepped up their presence in downtown Sunday night as the Hawks took on Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals to keep Hawks fans and others nearby safe.

If you’re a Hawks fan, Mama Dou has just about everything you could need at his vendor booth set up on Peachtree Street. His booth isn’t too far from where someone attempted to rob and then shot three people near State Farm Arena Saturday night.

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Mama Dou says that although the playoffs mean more business, he’s concerned about the crime, but thankful for more police patrols.

“I see the police out here, all over here, so that’s very good,” said Dou.

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Tyree Ware traveled from Augusta for the game Sunday night. He says he’s keeping an eye out and staying close to his group.

“You can’t be afraid to live your life, you have to just thank God and pray that you’re safe,” said Ware. “We’re going to stay together, catch an Uber to the game and back, probably not too much walking.”

Now that the game has ended, fans are making their way home and police are making sure they can do so safely.

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