Forsyth Mayor Says Safety is #1 in 2013

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Car break-ins, and drug-deals are things Forsyth Mayor John Howard hopes to do away with in 2013.

“I just want to make sure everyone feels safe inside the city, and I don’t want crime to be on the rise,” says Howard.

It’s not a breeding ground for criminal activity, but the Betsy Lynn area is one that Howard wants to focus some attention on in 2013. In early January, three suspects were caught and charged with breaking into cars in the neighborhood.

“We were able to arrest those guys and charge them with the citizens being on alert,” says Forsyth Police Chief Keith Corley.

Martha Mann-Williams lives in the Betsy Lynn subdivison. She was surprised when she found out about the break-ins.

“We never had it happen to us before, and we’re pretty good about watching out for one another,” says Mann-Williams.

One couple, Sherry and Adam Mills told 41 NBC, more than $100 in cash and coins, and a silver necklace were taken from their truck. Still, Williams says crime is rare in this area where police patrol regularly.

“I see them very often, touring the neighborhood,” says Mann-Williams.

Howard wants more police officers on the streets, and more patrolling near this apartment complex.

“I’m getting calls in reference to drug activity on the rise in Forsyth Gardens,” says Howard.

He wants Lovers Lane turned into a one-way street. Chief Corley supports the mayor’s idea.

“We do have some areas that need attention, and one of them is Lovers Lane,” says Corley.

That’s the street where a major club-raid took place just a few weeks ago.

“Maybe slow down some of the commotion that’s going on there, and that’s something I’m really going to push for,” says Howard.

This year, Mayor Howard says, your safety is his number one priority.