WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — On Tuesday night, Warner Robins police held a town hall meeting on the west side of the city.
They say they're looking to hear from people in each area of town about their concerns related to violent crime, and hope to share their prevention strategies.
This is the police department's third meeting this year. People shared their experiences with young people committing crimes in their neighborhoods.
13WMAZ has reported on several shootings involving young people this year, but residents on the west side say even after the city mandated curfew, they've seen kids out and about.
Xzandria Armstrong is a mom to two children, ages 5 and almost 13.
“I'm super excited to have my children here and to hear stuff like this,” Armstrong said.
There were around 40 people who turned up to share their concerns with law enforcement
Armstrong said she's grateful for these meetings.
“It's very important for my kids to not be afraid of the police and to know who to go to if they are scared and in need of anything, I just think it's super important for the city of Warner Robins,” Armstrong said.
One officer said 109 firearms were reported stolen since Jan. 1, and 71 of those were stolen from cars. They say they've seized 98 guns in 2024.
“We hear about the shootings in the area a lot. Even my daughter is a little nervous about that and she's nervous about school shootings as well,” Armstrong said.
“The big thing is taking the firearms out of your cars, please just lock your doors and any valuables that you have in your car just pull them out because they wouldn't be out doing things if they weren't successful at what they're doing,” one officer said.
The most prevalent crime the department has faced this year.
“The youth are going into people's cars, grabbing guns and then using them,” Armstrong said.