Apartment complexes focus on prevention

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Following a rash of apartment robberies over the past week, city officials and the Apartment Association of Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana are taking measures to prevent further instances from happening.

"By nature of how they're built, there's a lot of people in one place, so there is an opportunity for things like this to happen," said Beth Wyatt, the Executive Director of the Apartment Association of Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana.

For residents in these complexes, fears are high leaving people wondering what's being done.

"I know many apartment communities are actually putting together community meetings with their residents, bringing in their courtesy officer or someone from the Fort Wayne Police Department talking about how they can be more safe," Wyatt said.

Police are also looking over data and getting help.

"FBI, ATF, County, Prosecutor's Office," Chief Rusty York of the Fort Wayne Police Department said. "We're looking at trends, we're looking at individuals involved."

Wyatt said apartment complexes don't have specific safety regulations, but there are actions staff members should take.

"It's just kind of good business that most apartment communities will look at how well of lighting they have, how well their bushes are trimmed, visibility around corners and buildings," Wyatt said.

Officials also suggest getting to know your neighbor, so there is someone who can lookout for your well being.