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Arlington residents discuss ways to combat crime

Crime among all ages is a continuing issue many in the Arlington area are facing.

On Monday night, Councilwoman Joyce Morgan met with the Arlington community in a town hall meeting. Residents were talking about a variety of things from jobs, to neighborhood improvements, but the main issue was crime.

“The crime in Arlington is just like the crime anywhere else,” Morgan.

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Action News Jax have covered a number of crimes in the Arlington area. In February, police say teenagers were behind a shooting near Terry Parker High School that spread to other crimes scenes, including one at an apartment complex.

At the meeting, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office addressed Arlington residents about the increase in crime. There have been 200 more car thefts this year, compared to last year, and police say most of the suspects are juveniles.

That was a shocking statistic for neighbor Siretta Williams.

“Oh my gosh, yes I had no clue. I really didn't know that it was that many cars,” Williams said.

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JSO said in the Arlington community, 70 percent of cars that were stolen had the keys inside. Williams said that number can decrease if people just pay attention.

“Some of it, is our fault, because we leave our cars unlocked, we leave our keys in the car. We're always in a rush, and we don't lock up properly,” Williams said.