Residents concerned with crime in downtown Wilmington

More downtown crime concerns after a robbery and assault with a deadly weapon over the weekend.

Some say the increased crime in the downtown area has to do with a lack of lighting on local streets.

Just a few days ago, neighbors and community members gathered at a community watch meeting to discuss the safety of the downtown and historic districts. Among the many concerns was keeping the streets better lit for people who do choose to walk around at night. Another concern on the list was cutting down bushes and shrubs to improve the visibility of someone walking alone.

Leland resident Jeff Lakeman says he noticed a lack of lighting last night, at Third and Princess.

“Last night we came back downtown, and this block of Princess was pitch dark, and it was a little eerie walking down the street in total darkness,” said Lakeman.

The robbery and assault this past weekend happened on the corner of Third and Nun Streets. The City of Wilmington has plans in the works to add more lights in that section of Third Street.