WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC-Charlotte neighbors want to "fence out" crime

Charlotte neighbors want to "fence out" crime

By David Whisenant - bio l email

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Neighbors in the Woodstone community in north Charlotte are hoping that by fencing in the neighborhood, they can keep crime out.

The neighbor is bordered on one side by railroad tracks that run beside Gibbon Road.

Neighbor say that makes it easy for criminals to access back yards and homes, and make a quick getaway.

"It needs to be addressed," said Xavier Quick, a Woodstone resident and a victim of a home break-in.   "It's a fact and it's weighing on us and even our neighbors, staying in the community, whether to stay in the community or sell, it's just that bad, it's just that prolific."

Neighbors have been discussing the project for a while, and now have made an application for a grant to help with the costs.

"Our community is a gateway," Sherrell Smith told WBTV.  Smith is president of the Woodstone Homeowners Association.   "Anytime there is crime in that area, culprits can run through and evade the police."

Neighbors think the barrier created by the fence will discourage would be criminals from entering the neighborhood knowing there is no quick and easy way out.

"We intend to be here without the crime," Smith added.

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department crime tracker showed that police had responded to a total of 21 home burglary calls within one half mile of the Gibbon Road and Christenbury Road intersection since August 1 of last year.