Macon’s Downtown Community Watch group shares concerns with sheriff’s office

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Downtown Macon business owners and residents met Tuesday night to talk about safety and share their concerns with the Bibb Sheriff’s Office.

Several people attended the first Downtown Community Watch meeting. They discussed issues they see in the area, including large crowds gathering during First Fridays and special events, car break-ins, drugs, and open container problems.

“I feel that tonight with the people in the room that we have a good chance of moving this forward and getting that momentum that we need to keep the conversation alive, bring the issues to the forefront and get them resolved,” Denise Saturna, a downtown business owner and resident, said.

Sheriff David Davis says the crime rate in downtown Macon is down. He adds there is an entire precinct dedicated to protecting this are of the community. He also says there are resources for business owners and residents, like this community watch group.

“Downtown is becoming very vibrant and is really transitioning in a good way,” Davis said. “We want to be a part of that and make sure the downtown businesses and residents know that we’re going to be there to support them and protect them.”

The next meeting for the Downtown Community Watch group is on November 4th at 6 p.m. at NewTown Macon’s office. The group is expected to inform the sheriff’s office about its elected officials, future meeting dates, and desired level of involvement of the sheriff’s department.