Police: Sky Towers Reduce Crime

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by Kirk Hawkins
Bio | Email | Follow: @kirkhawkins

Story Created: Jun 15, 2012 at 10:47 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 15, 2012 at 10:47 PM EDT

Charlotte, N.C.--Six sky towers are strategically placed throughout Charlotte. They've been part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for four years. "It help everybody," said Wireless City Fashion Manager Rami Mahan in North Charlotte.

Mahan said business improved earlier this year when police placed a sky tower in the strip
mall outside his store. "It keep the whole area safe," said Mahan.

Crime Stats show a total reduction in reports of violent crime outside Mahan's store
and at the most recent home for a Sky Tower. At the most recent home for a sky tower, a gas station in North Charlotte last month, there were no violent crime reports.

Even though some critics say its easy to see the towers are unmanned, Police say they make a difference. Lt. Ryan Butler said, "The fact that you don't see a car there and you don't see the wind
speedometer on top or the wind or air conditioner gauge, it doesn't mean that crime is not being tracked at that program."

Police say the sky towers are primarily funded by sales of confiscated items. Two new sky towers funded by a federal grant are expected to arrive in Charlotte just in time for the D.N.C.

Mahan hopes police will bring one of them back to his neighborhood,"I wish, I wish that happen, I wish they brought it back," he said.

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