Community members meet on crime prevention

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Business owners and members of the Tucson community came together Friday, September 20, to highlight the recent rise in crime.

Tensions were high as the city and county’s lack of action took center stage Friday night, whether that manifested as stress over funding or the way homelessness ought to be tackled.

Benjamin Galaz, owner of BK Tacos, brought together business owners, city representatives, and residents from five different neighborhoods.

They sit together to voice their concerns — and find ways to remedy them.

“No one is doing nothing and a lot of businesses are going out of business,” Galaz said.

Pictures of needles, drugs, and the homeless outside of businesses in the area were shown, to display how real the issue is for community members.

But Galaz stressed that he realizes for the community to get help, they must help that population first.

“I think what they are doing to us is their way of asking for help,” Galaz said. “So we need to do something for them because they need help.”

“The city needs to do something other than hide them in housing. They need to get involved and start helping these people,” said attendee Monica Carlson.

A few representatives from the city tried to address the group’s concerns and clarify the issues brought up, including Lieutenant Tony De La Ossa from the Tucson Police Department.

“If you call 911, and we didn’t get there — or, hey, we need to further investigate, I want to know,” De La Ossa said. “I want to know what my officers are doing out here if you feel they’re not investigating, because I want to look into it further.”

Friday night’s meeting will not be the last. After hearing concerns from over 200 people on social media, Galaz is already planning a meet for the Southside to address what he says is a city-wide issue.