WCBD-TV: Walterboro seeing decreased crime rates after taking steps toward change
Published November 1, 2011
By Raymond Owens
Walterboro seeing decreased crime rates after taking steps toward change. Mayor Bill Young says crime rates are down, and they expect to see them drop even more in the future.
Violent crime is down 30%. The rate of aggravated assaults is down 39%.
Young says the town implimented a 10 point plan to work toward lowering crime in Walterboro.
Mack Thomas, a goldsmith at Infinger Jewelry in Walterboro says he has noticed a difference recently. He says his store was robbed about a year ago, but since then he has noticed police officer patrols seem to be increasing. He says more people are coming to visit Walterboro as a day trip from towns nearby as word gets out that violent crime is dropping.
Walterboro Mayor Bill Young says the 10 point plan has been quite effective”Probably the community policing is the most important part of the 10 point plan, but it includes other things like improving lighting in neighborhoods, rehabbing derelict buildings.”
Thomas says, “I think it’s great. At one time, we had a little worse reputation than reality really was.”
Walterboro is hosting a number of community events to help bring the community and visitors to the area together. We’ve listed several of these below:
November 3, 2011 at 7PM
“First Night at the Museum”: The Grand Opening Gala for the Colleton County Museum and Farmer’s Market
506 E. Washington Street
Tickets cost $25 per couple, or $15 foe individuals
November 4th, 2011 at Noon
Official Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the Colleton County Museum and Farmer’s Market
506 E. Washington Street
Free Event
November 5th, 2011
Third Annual Polo for the Point at the Polo Grounds on Highway 15 North, Walterboro
Gates open 11:30AM Pre-game activities begin at 1PM Benefit game at 2PM
$10 admission for adults, $5 for kids under 12
(843) 549-8360 for more info.
November 9th, 2011 from 10AM-5PM
Holiday Open House South Carolina Artisans Center and Downtown Walterboro A Folk Art Celebration
318 Wichman Street www.scartisanscenter.com
