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WILSON'S MILLS — A Johnston County town's crime rate is growing with its booming population. Residents now say they want a police force.
Break-ins, robberies and even a murder have people in Wilson's Mills concerned about safety. Johnston County deputies patrol the area, but residents say they need a full-time force.
"We're sending a message to surrounding people: 'Come to Wilson's Mills. We have no police protection,'" said Mayor Kenneth Jones. "That's the wrong message to send."
Jones says the town council wants to hire two officers to fight crime full-time. That would require a tax increase of up to 600 percent.
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