Two people died at 203 Pelham Street in a shootout on Jan. 30. Both victims knew each other and, according to police, there isn't any further threat to the community.
Besides residents wanting information regarding the shooting, they also sought ways to stay safe and become more vigilant for their families and neighbors. The Trade Street community borders the downtown business district and has been targeted in the past as a high crime area. The meeting was held at the International Cathedral of Prayer.
"We understand the magnitude this is from a neighborhood where we get complaints," Chief Dan Reynolds said. "We spend most of our time in the center city." Reynolds and several officers representing crime units attended the meeting. Jay Arrowood, Councilman for District One, also attended.
Reynolds reiterated a report he gave to City Council two nights previously reporting the 2011 crime rate was down. "We do everything we can to reduce it. What helped us in the past was involvement with the community. We can't do it alone. People need to watch out for people," Reynolds said.
Allison Ringer, who organized the homeowners association, emphasized the need for communication between police and the residents. "It's hard to get the word out there," Ringer said. "We need to watch what cars are on our streets and note anything suspicious."
Lt. Eric Pressley, Criminal Investigation Department, said two people were arrested in the shooting and the investigation is ongoing. He didn't share any other information about the crime but did provide specific ways criminals may think before committing crimes. "Criminals commit crimes in areas they are confident they can get into houses," Pressley said.
Pressley said residents should note strangers in the area, most notably those walking the neighborhood for apparently no reason and most likely without jobs.
"Don't let people into your house and don't let them become part of your lifestyle," Pressley warned. "There have been drug issues here and drugs have been related to prostitutes. Some prostitutes will ask for help and work themselves into your house.
"If the dogs are barking you need to ask why are they barking? Most residential burglaries occur in the day when no one is home," Pressley said. "We've had cases of car break-ins at night and most of the time the cars are unlocked with laptops and other items in the car. Don't leave your laptop on the front seat or the GPS in the window. And don't leave your purse in the car. (Criminals) will see those things and think they will find something bigger."
Some residents at the meeting told of inconsistent information shared with city residents on past crimes that were resolved or cases still open. An area murder investigation remains open after two years. "I thought it was a prank since it was before Halloween and yellow crime tape was around the house. We haven't heard from the police about what happened.?"
"We have not let up on that case and that investigation is ongoing. That's all I can say about that," Pressley said.
Another resident suggested dispatchers be educated where crimes have recently occurred to increase their awareness when citizens are reporting suspicious activity. "We can address that," Pressley said. "Don't hesitate to call. Maybe by calling enough times we can eliminate those crimes from your area."
Sgt. Chad Richardson, Community Outreach, was asked if the city could post Neighborhood Watch signs. "Signs are great but if there's nothing behind it, they don't mean anything."
"We need to come together ourselves," a resident commented. "The police have a lot of other places they need to be than just here. We need to watch out for ourselves and each other."
Richardson said the police and residents should work together to provide safer neighborhoods. "We may have to take it street by street. It will get done," Richardson said.
Did you know?
• Greer Police Department's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/GreerPoliceDepartment
• Non-emergency phone number:
848-2151
• There were 2,582 arrests in 2011, up 13.59 percent (2,273) from 2010.
• In 2011 there 24,149 dispatched police calls for service, up 6.6 percent (22,560) from 2010