Murders, armed robberies, shootings and home invasions-- these are all crimes that have people who live in Monroe on edge. The crime statistics back up their worries. The Historic District of Monroe has seen five murders, three armed robberies, two home invasions and two shootings in just two years.

But the community is coming together to fight back. City leaders are holding a neighborhood watch meeting on violent crime prevention this weekend.

The meeting comes after a man was shot and killed in a house on English Street in March. Back in December, police say an armed robber took a bank employee and her children hostage. And neighbors tell us, they hear occasional gun fire making them feel unsafe in their own homes. Jeff Arwine, with the South Monroe Historic District Neighborhood Watch says, "our safety is being compromised. We have people who are coming into our homes and committing crimes against us while we're at home". He adds, "that's much more dangerous than someone committing crimes against us when we're not at home, where in this case, you're life may be at risk."

If you are interested in attending the neighborhood watch meeting, it is at the Union County Public Library in Monroe at 2 p.m. Saturday. Several police officers will be there and everyone is welcome to attend.