SAGINAW (WJRT) -
(09/20/12) - The city of Saginaw is looking at 17 murders so far this year, and while crime is on the rise, one neighborhood group says people don't have to feel helpless.
"The neighborhood people are feeling fear, stress, they don't know if they're safe in their environment," said Larry Campbell, Northeast Saginaw Neighborhood Association president.
At their Thursday night meeting, they invited Crime Stoppers to talk about how the community can step it up.
"If we don't get over this fear, we'll let the criminal elements take over our community, we need to take back our community," said Willie Haynes, Crime Stoppers president.
Police say without community involvement, they won't be able to solve these crimes, and that's where Crime Stoppers comes in. Once you dial 1-800-422-JAIL, it's completely anonymous.
And if your tip is good, you could get a reward, and you never have to tell them who you are.
Police say both anonymous tips and witness accounts of crimes is what leads to arrests. Without it, there can't be justice.
"This is our justice system and you have the right to face your accuser, people have to have the courage to come forward if they want things to be different," said Sgt. Joe Dutoi with the Saginaw Police.
