Cpt. John Williams discusses crime concerns with Steele Creek residents

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Police say overall crime is down in the Steele Creek community, but there are a few trouble spots and particular group of troublemakers.

One of those spots is the area around Nations Ford at Archdale. Police say a recent rash of violent crime is the result of criminals targeting Latinos who carry large amounts of cash instead of using banks.

That's why police are stepping up patrols there every night and working on trouble spots like some low-income apartments and motels.

"Code enforcement is helping us a whole lot right now trying to get some of those areas cleaned up and shut down,” said Captain John Williams with Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.

Williams says property crimes in Steele Creek are the biggest issue.

"My front door was kicked in,” said Withers Cove neighbor Mary Bechtold.

Bechtold says four of her neighbors suffered the same fate within the last week. Witnesses helped police catch teenagers.

Williams says juveniles are committing the majority of all types of crimes here.

"We're making good progress. We're doing some good work, but we can't arrest those people away, the kids, we cannot do it. It's impossible. We have to start at home,” he said.

"My big question is where are the parents? Why are these kids not in school?” Bechtold asked.

Williams says property crimes, the car and home break-ins, are driving the violent crimes.

"Anybody know why?" Williams asked.

He received no response Thursday from 125 people attending Steele Creek's annual residents’ association meeting.

Answer: Guns stolen from break-ins end up used to commit those violent crimes like the ones targeting Latinos at Nations Ford and Archdale.

Police say as the area grows, it gets harder to cover. Thursday night, 15 police cars are patrolling the 60 square miles which make up the Steele Creek division.