DURHAM — Durham Policeare stepping up efforts to catch repeat offenders, who they say commit 80 percent of the crimes in the Bull City.

Flanked by commanding officers and community leaders, the police chief unveiled the plan.

Violent repeat offenders will be given three options: continue crime and face the stiffest jail time possible, leave town, or change their ways.

"Today's message is to be upfront with the criminals out there," announced Chief Theresa Chambers. "If they're out there doing crime, committing crime in our communities, we're coming after them."

From his front porch, Jesse Reade sees a lot of crime. He says people smoking crack torched an abandoned building across the street. But, he says, things are getting better.

Residents of Durham's hispanic neighborhoods agree. People say they think crime is going down, but there is still a long way to go.

Durham officials believe the plan is another step in the right direction.