CARY, N.C. — Cary police officers hope conversations will the community help reduce crime.

Officers are hitting the streets to talk to residents about safety concerns. They have surveyed 200 homeowners and 70 businesses in an effort to plan patrol strategies for next year.

Cary resident Colleen Ueland welcomes the idea.

"I think it's great," she said. "They'll learn more about the problems in the neighborhood or what needs improvement -- especially traffic issues, like speeding."

"A lot of times things happening that are precursors to crime that we may not be aware of unless we talk to folks," said Lt. Tracy Jernigan of the Cary Police Department.

Planning surveys are done by town officials, but Jernigan says the police department decided this year to ask its own questions to get the specific information it needs.