Broad Ripple neighbors are stepping up with new ideas to stop the growing number of crimes happening in the neighborhood. They're also looking for volunteers to be a part of their own Neighborhood Crime Watch.
When increased police patrols are still not enough, long-time Broad Ripple residents say it may be time for their own good neighbor policy.
"The police can be there when they can, but they're stretched thin," said James Todd, who's lived in Broad Ripple for 25 years. "There's been a lot of robberies, beatings in the neighborhood. There was a fellow robbed a couple of weeks ago right in front of my house."
Todd and dozens of neighbors came together on Wednesday night to not just bring up concerns, but come up with solutions.
While installing more streets lights remain at the top of the list, community leaders are forming Neighborhood Crime Watch groups. They're looking for up to 60 volunteers to be block captains who will cover the core of the village -- from College Avenue to Compton Street and Broad Ripple Avenue to Kessler Boulevard Drive.
It looks like a broad area, but community leaders are hoping each block captain will focus on their own street -- one block each, from intersection to intersection.
"It would be our goal to have our core of the village covered 100-percent," said Elizabeth Marshall from the Broad Ripple Village Association. "Then, whatever blocks would like participate, we're going to put everybody on a map."
Marissa Argus signed up to be a block captain for her street.
"I just feel like it's a little part I can do to be part of the solution," she says. "Basically it's about making sure we're communicating and talking about the comings and goings of our street and making sure we know one another."
It's another step to keep Broad Ripple safe and a great place to live.
"It's unique, it's beautiful," said Todd. "It's not just a bunch of bars, college kids getting drunk and acting stupid."
It's up to block captains to set up a plan, but they're hoping to set up a system where each neighbor can be on the watch for about two hours on a Friday or Saturday night.
Click here if you're interested in being a part of a Neighborhood Crime Watch group.
