Here’s an in depth look at recent crime in Lexington County

RED BANK, S.C. — The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department shared knowledge with Information 19 after residents within the space introduced drug crime issues to our consideration. We filed a FOIA request and discovered that deputies reply to calls regionally.

Beginning within the northern area of Lexington County, in Irmo, West Columbia and Cayce, there have been 307 drug crimes in 2022, 328 final 12 months and to date this 12 months, 139. 

Within the western area together with Gilbert, there have been extra drug crimes: 368 in 2022, 315 final 12 months and 129 to date this 12 months. 

Lastly within the southern area, the world of focus, is the best quantity of drug crime over the previous two years: 387 crimes in 2022, 454 final 12 months and 126 to date this 12 months.

Chris Corle has lived in Pink Financial institution the previous 20 years. He tells Information 19 there’s been a drug downside within the space for so long as he can keep in mind.

“We have had a rising problem with medication and folks utilizing medication within the space, and the crime that comes with it: break ins, robberies, individuals stealing stuff, I imply I’ve had a number of issues on my property that, fortunately they had been locked, however they’ve tried to drill locks out,” Corle stated.

State consultant RJ Might explains he hears the identical factor. 

“Constituents attain out to me about two main points right here in South Congaree and Pink Financial institution and that’s drug and drug paraphernalia and the enforcement of site visitors legal guidelines, so dashing in neighborhood and residential areas,” Might stated.

Chris explains that twice, somebody’s tried to interrupt into his home within the final 5 years. And he provides his spouse fears going to the shop alone at night time. 

“I can not even let my youngsters out within the yard anymore trigger anyone can come strolling by the woods, we have had it occur earlier than,” Corle stated.

He tells Information 19 he stopped working alongside his road within the mornings due to too many needles on the highway. 

“You’ve gotten a few 50/50 shot of whether or not they’re simply excessive and wish to be left alone, or if they will be aggressive,” Corle stated.

Based on knowledge from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Division, the southern area, together with Pink Financial institution has seen probably the most general crime in 2022, 2023 and to date this 12 months in comparison with the county’s northern and western areas.

Lengthy-time Pink Financial institution enterprise proprietor Jay Webb explains the individuals he sees who’re down on laborious occasions typically need assistance with their psychological well being. 

“However what we will do is get entangled and be energetic. You see one thing that is out of the methods, it is our group, it is our residence. Be on it. Determine what is going on on,” Webb stated.

LRADAC, the Lexington Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, a non-profit right here within the Midlands, affords rehabilitation assist with out monetary obstacles.

The group despatched Information 19 this assertion:

“As Lexington County continues to develop, LRADAC is working laborious to boost consciousness of our remedy and detox providers not solely to the brand new residents who’ve moved right here but in addition to everybody in communities like Pink Financial institution, reminding everybody that we’re right here and obtainable for anybody who’s battling substance misuse. Our prevention efforts embrace city corridor conferences all through Lexington County, partnerships with Lexington County colleges on substance misuse schooling and consciousness, and collaboration with our group companions and legislation enforcement on particular outreach like Nationwide Drug Take Again Day in and across the Pink Financial institution space.

If somebody is battling substance misuse, they will name our Lexington workplace at 803-726-9400 or our Columbia workplace at 803-726-9300 for data on assessments, remedy, and detox providers. Individuals may also stroll in for an evaluation at our Lexington location at 1068 South Lake Drive and downtown Columbia at 2711 Colonial Drive. We additionally remind anybody struggling that funds are by no means a barrier to remedy at LRADAC and we provide monetary help to certified people.  Please go to us on-line to be taught extra about all our providers at lradac.org.”

Based on Sheriff Koon, index crimes, i.e. crimes the Lexington County Sheriff’s Division studies to the FBI, like murders, rapes, and vital property crimes have decreased by 24% between 2020 and 2023.