By Staff
PATROL David Viverette of Anytime Security patrols the streets on the lookout for crime. Viverette says his company is the first line of defense for one Poplar Springs neighborhood. Photo by Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
By Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
Fed up with a rash of petty thefts and burglaries, a group of Poplar Springs neighbors has taken its own bite out of crime by hiring a private security firm to patrol the streets.
The neighborhood is located near the southern end of Poplar Springs Drive.
Thieves have gotten so brave, Kennard said, that they stole a heavy electric generator from someone's front porch causing many in the area to wonder how far criminals will go to steal.
Kennard said it's frustrating to think neighborhood residents have to resort to extremes to protect their property.
Anytime Security now patrols the neighborhood. Owner David Viverette said the holiday season and recent news that the city's police force is understaffed is inspiring to would-be thieves.
Beverly Hall, a Neighborhood Watch organizer, said many residents are taking action with watch programs.
Police Chief Gregg Lewis said his officers are working with residents of the area.
Viverette agrees that patrol visibility is a strong defense. He has two guards patrolling the neighborhood daily, going into every nook and cranny and making themselves visible to would-be criminals.
Although Viverette's guards are armed, he said their response to any crime situation is to immediately notify the police.
Ben Alexander is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail him at balexander@meridianstar.com.