WILSON, N.C. — A plan to curb crime in one Wilson neighborhood went up in smoke.

Officers parked an empty patrol car on Narrow Way to help deter criminals, but within 24 hours, someone stuffed a rag in its gas tank and torched the car.

Residents say the decoy seemed to work in the short time it was there. Some say they are furious that criminal targeted a protection plan with such a cruel act.

"What do I think about it?" asked resident Mildred Jones. "They would do anything. They would do anything."

Wilson police are now stepping up patrols in the neighborhood. Officers says that if the torched care was supposed to send a message, it has only strengthened their plan for more police presence in the area.

"It lets us know and the community know the type of person and the criminals that we're up against over there," Wilson police Capt. C.C. Smith said.

Investigators are still looking for the assailant in the case. Authorities say that person will face felony arson charges.