Citizens work to keep Broad Ripple safe

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Many citizens are looking for new ways to curb crime.

A Broad Ripple man said he doesn't want to become a victim again.

He's using social media to get people talking about the rise in crime in Broad Ripple and what they can do about it.

Broad Ripple is a popular hotspot where people are on the move day and night. It's also a community where crime is on the rise.

On August 5th, AJ Macht and his friend were in Broad Ripple when they were robbed at gunpoint.

"You'd typically think two guys walking together, pretty safe. Not so much the case anymore," Macht said.

That's why officers have stepped up patrols in Broad Ripple. Just this past weekend police responded to several break-ins and violent crimes.

Macht welcomes the police presence, but as a victim he's taking it one step further.

"There's more going on than what meets the eye," he said.

Macht started a Facebook page called “Keep Broad Ripple Safe”. So far more than a thousand people have liked the page, and it's growing. He's hoping to get more people talking.

"As people like the page, different notices go out about what's going on to help solve this and also what actual activities are happening that would be bad for citizens in the area and bad for patrons in the area." he said.

There's also information on proactive measures Broad Ripple residents can take. Currently there's a petition going around to get more street lights added.

"Hopefully there's not a single person walking at night down side streets in Broad Ripple because they would be a little bit of a target." Macht said.

Macht is hoping the more people know the safer they will be.

"Just things like house lights, making sure you've got motion detectors, just general principles of keeping yourself safe," he said.

To see the Facebook page, visit Facebook.com/keepbroadripplesafe