A recent surge in crime is forcing the Macon Police Department to make changes. They’re hoping new techniques will keep criminals at bay.

In the last six months certain crimes like burglaries, car break-ins and metal thefts are up 18-percent. In response, 100 officers are now going door to door, conducting field interrogations and road checks, and are working 8 hour rather than 12 hour shifts.

Macon Police Captain Eric Woodford says the changes have already led to the arrest of four armed robbery suspects last weekend.

“It is a number that’s alarming and concerning to the police department. However, we’re not sharing this burden alone. So, it doesn’t seem like it’s overwhelming the City of Macon. It’s an epidemic everywhere right now.”

The two week old Neighborhood Saturation program is developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Tags: Georgia, FBI, Macon, Macon Police Department, crime rates, Neighborhood Saturation