COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)–There is increasing concern about the number of violent crimes plaguing a large section of Columbus.
The University District is an area east of High Street, between Arcadia and Lane avenues.
Residents there say they have witnessed numerous home invasions, in addition to the robberies and burglaries they wish to combat.
“These [the crimes] being more violent in nature are a real concern to the most dense district in the state,” said University Area Commissioner Seth Golding.
The commissioners hosted a safety summit on Thursday evening, giving members of the community an opportunity to address their safety concerns with law enforcement and city leaders.
A concern for some residents and the police is that some crimes are going unreported.
“I’d like to know why they aren’t reporting it,” said Columbus Police Lieutenant Julie Williams. “We don’t want anybody to be victimized and feel that they can’t get results.”
Paul Graves said six months ago he was nearly robbed at gunpoint, and admitted he did not call the police.
In hindsight, he said he wishes he had reported the attack.
“That’s a major crime, two guys pulling a gun right there by the fire station,” said Graves, who was not at the meeting. “I wish I would’ve reported that.”
According to statistics from the Columbus Police Department, 170 burglaries, assaults or robberies were reported within a half mile of the intersection of Summit and Hudson streets.
At the summit, police promised plain-clothed and uniformed patrols.
The University Area Commissioners say they will remain committed to stopping the crime.
Their scheduled meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month.
Click here: Area crime map