San Jose Residents Sound Off To Mayor Over Rising Crime, Lack Of Officers
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- Residents in San Jose are fed up with crime, and they let Mayor Sam Liccardo hear that frustration at a meeting Tuesday night.
A terrifying home invasion robbery was just the latest in a string of crimes plaguing the city.
Two criminals entered through an unlocked screen door at the home in the Evergreen neighborhood of San Jose, they did not know it, but several members of the family were home at the time and were on the phone trying to get help.
Vice Mayor Rose Herrera knows one of the victims, and understands the concerns of residents.
"I don't know if you have ever been a victim of a burglary but i have and it leaves you very upset and very concerned and wanting to do something immediately," Herrera said.
The mayor is working to settle a running dispute with the police over pension reforms, add community service officers to the force, and budget for more police overtime.
"There's no question that we want more police officers. The reality is that the crime is caused by a lot of different factors, and the reality is we know we need more officers, but we can still be a safer city with the officers that we do have." Mayor Sam Liccardo said.
City polling shows the public wants immediate action to stop violent crime.
Dramatic video captured a man attempting to assault a 13-year-old girl inside her own west San Jose home recently.
Vandalism has also been plaguing the Evergreen area, where criminals are breaking car windows with big rocks.
Some have now taken personal security to the next level.
"I'm armed. My kids know how to use a firearm. You never know when it's going to hit you or where or how, so you just do the best you can," San Jose resident Danielle Bechwati said.