Fed up with crime in their neighborhood, homeowners in Lonoke County are now fighting back. Dozens in the Charlie Loop neighborhood have formed a citizens’ patrol. Every night one designated team is on duty to keep the bad guys out. It's working out so well, deputies are now encouraging homeowners in other areas to do the same.
After a rash of break-ins, Terry Johnson joined the Charlie Loop Citizens Patrol. "If something happens, we call 911," said Terry Johnson.
His sister Brandi helped show him the ropes. "It's been really hard knowing someone is gonna break into our homes with our babies," she said.
Brandi and Terry, along with dozens of others, split up into different patrols and look out for anything suspicious. It's a big job because crime is on the rise.
"We've had a whole lot [of crime] here recently: stealing, vandalizing homes. They are breaking in when we are at home," said Brandi.
Citizens Patrol is a program Sheriff Jim Roberson is backing. Right now, they get 20,000 calls a year and have only 24 deputies. With 766 square miles to cover, getting to the trouble calls can take longer than they'd like.
"We've increased patrols. We have a deputy coming through, not every hour but 2-3 times per shift per day," said Dean White.
Thanks to the Citizens Patrol in Charlie Loop, the deputies are getting some help. "We always have our eye out, not just police, we as a community, we are not afraid to take matters into our own hands if we have to, " said Brandi.
