WPD making presence known in Creekwood

WILMINGTON — Wilmington Police are making their presence known in a local neighborhood prone to violence.

Police say they haven’t always had the best reputation in Wilmington’s Creekwood neighborhood.

They’re trying to change that. Police officers are patrolling Creekwood on foot. They say they want to become familiar faces to residents.

Officers Carey Hunter and Jeff Shoffner. They said they’re already on a first name basis with many of the residents.

Lt. Renado Prince is one of the driving forces behind getting the officers out there. He said, “We want to build trust because it’s not really there right now. They don’t know who to trust because they see a different officer all the time. Well we’re changing that.”

Lt. Prince says the department is making a point to have the same officers patrol the area so the residents will become familiar with them.

Some Creekwood residents said they have noticed an increase in police presence and that it makes them feel safer.