South Raleigh Businesses Asking Police For Help After Recent Crimes

South Saunders Street is dotted with businesses that have been hit by burglars. On Wednesday night, Pro Electronics was hit.

"When I saw glass everywhere in here and the counters busted up, I knew they had gotten inside," store owner Bruce Andrews said.

High-end car stereo gear was taken in what Andrews said is a growing problem.

"We've seen a lot more going on. A lot more assaults, break-ins," he said.

There have been a number of incidents along South Saunders Street. Almost two weeks ago, Nguyen Truong was stabbed to death in his coin-operated laundry in this area. Police have

Armando Ortez

in custody and are looking for Jose Hernandez.

A clerk was recently beaten at a gas station on South Saunders Street and on that same night, Earp's Seafood was burglarized. Owner Mike Earp said things are getting bad on that side of town.

"There are people coming in and out all the time and it's obvious that somebody has been watching what's been going on for them to hit during the times they did," he said.

Like Earp, Andrews said he wants to see more police protection, which is what Raleigh police plan to do.

"[You're] going to see a marked car probably more often in that neighborhood and there will also be some plainclothes officers working in surveillance-type details," said Capt. D.S. Overman of the Raleigh Police Department.

Andrews said he would like to see businesses in the area start a community watch program to help prevent crime.