Ravenel, SC - The inside of Ravenel Hall was packed with a community sharing a major concern, crime disrupting their way of life.

"I personally think we've got a crisis out here in this area at this time," Mayor Opal Baldwin said.

Police officials admit there has been a spike in the western area of the county. Recent crimes include an armed robbery of dollar general in Ravenel, and a First Citizens Bank robbery in Hollywood.

"Everybody’s just worried if they come home someone might be in the house or don't know if stuff might be gone," Rita Hanniford said.

Darrin Griffin said his two Hollywood businesses have been broken into six times this year.

"They're limited if you have two basketball players against five they're going to do all they can but we need more officers to make it five on five," Griffin said.

"I think it's going to take some and allocations of man power which we are working on taking all resources available," Chief Deputy Ron Sowers said.

While the sheriff's office wrestles with additional man power issues and budget concerns. They're encouraging the community to take action; to report crimes, form neighborhood watches, and take a stand.

"It's really up to the community to come together and solve the problem,” Hanniford said.

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