Neighbors want to follow group's blueprint to solve crime

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Residents in Fletcher- Lippencott neighborhood are turning to outside community groups to curb crime in their area.

Burglars are accused of increasing the crime rate in the eastside neighborhood. Residents recently formed a neighborhood watch group.

The group is also taking pointers from the Southeast Community Organization (SECO). Investigators credit the residents with that group with helping to take down two rival gangs. In September of 2012, Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry announced several charges against members of the Problem Child Gang, and the Fountain Square Boys.

During the investigation SECO’s President Rachel Cooper encouraged prosecutors to press charges and find ways to break up the gang. Cooper’s efforts have even received praise from those inside the United States Attorney’s Office.

“I’m absolutely convinced she is making a difference she is the epitome of community policing," said Tim Horty, Law Enforcement Coordinator for United States Attorney.

Now, residents from Fletcher-Lippencott are asking Cooper for her advice on building up their neighborhood watch group.

In a one-on-one interview, Cooper told 24-Hour-News 8 communication is key and resident participation is essential. Building up a network with various law enforcement agencies she adds will go a long way to alerting investigators to potential problems.

“It takes all of us to curb crime,” said Cooper.

Those in Fletcher- Lippencott community are getting the message. Their neighbor watch group is being slowly formed. They have also added a neighborhood clean up team and abandoned home watch group.

“Not one person can do everything,” said Cooper. “We must be involved with community policing.”