PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Neighbors in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood brought their concerns about increases in crime directly to police at a community meeting on Thursday evening.
Police officers responded to questions from community members at the meeting. The neighbors have noticed a particular increase in thefts, both for packages stolen off porches and cars.
“It’s getting to the point where I’m being harassed in every direction where I go in my neighborhood,” said one man.
“There are so many people in this room because this is a community in distress,” said a man who owns a business in Bloomfield. “It’s unconscionable to us that on Liberty Avenue, these criminals have the guts to smash open a window. We feel like no one is paying attention and it’s deeply concerning.”
Neighbors say they don’t see enough of a police presence in their neighborhood. Officers detailed the changes they are making. Lt. Anthony Cunningham told people that they are trying to bring back a beat system for officers. It will allow neighbors to reach out to officers assigned to their area.