Eyes on crime: Local residents are joining forces to put an end to shootings

You won't see their names here -- mostly because many of them have to live in the communities they are trying to protect.

But they are as important to ending crime in Goldsboro and Wayne County as the officers and deputies who patrol the streets.

Community members are sharing tips with the law enforcement community, and they are helping to catch some of the thugs who are injuring and killing their neighbors.

It is an action that takes a whole lot of courage. You can imagine what it is like to live around high-crime areas. After the police or sheriff's deputies have gone, you are alone -- and concerned about what might happen to your family.

So taking a stand and providing information -- that takes some serious guts.

It would be much easier to turn the other way, to keep your mouth shut and to not attract the attention of the criminals who live around the neighborhood.

But when you do that, you actually make it more dangerous and put your family at greater risk.

Community members in high-crime areas are not the only ones who are keeping an eye out for crime. More and more neighborhoods are starting watch programs, which are designed to keep a sharp eye out for those who do not belong there.

We need the police and sheriff's departments to follow the leads, but if we want our community safer, we need to be part of the solution.

And those who have already decided they will be deserve our respect.

Published in Editorials on August 28, 2015 10:47 AM