FLINT -- In response to possible upcoming police layoffs, two city council members have issued a crime advisory for Flint's 6th and 8th wards.
Council members say its imperative residents take precautions to protect themselves, especially after the rash of crime that's recently hit their neighborhoods.
"I don't like this neighborhood anymore, I want to move, it scares me," said Flint resident, Debra Howicz
In a year and a half, this home on Flint's west side has been broken into twice.
Debra Howicz lives there with City Councilman Michael Sarginson.
"And not only did they get my house, they got every house on this side of the street," said Flint City Councilman Michael Sarginson.
But Flint's 8th ward isn't the only area of the city targeted by criminals.
Councilman Sheldon Neeley says residents in the 6th ward are victims too.
Council members say it was time to do something after they received numerous complaints from residents about the influx of crime in their neighborhoods.
Friday, both councilmen issued a Full-Alert Crime Advisory for their wards, encouraging residents to protect themselves during the holidays.
"Making sure your doors are locked, be aware of your surroundings, don't go out without somebody with you, go to the store in pairs," said Councilman Neeley.
"Don't be naïve, they are out there looking for you, and the older people especially," said Councilman Sarginson.
The crime advisory is in response to Mayor Dayne Walling's proposal to layoff 20 Flint police officers if the police union does not agree to wage and benefit concessions.
The cuts would help balance the city's five million dollar budget deficit.
But Councilman Neeley says public safety should be the mayor's top priority.
"Without the public, who are you balancing the budget for?" said Councilman Neeley.
Howicz couldn't agree more. She's making sure her windows and doors are locked tight tonight, so she doesn't become a victim again.
Saturday at six, NBC25 will have the exclusive story on how Councilman Neeley is using an undercover method to fight crime without using police or taxpayer dollars.
Councilman Neeley says in 20 years, violent crime in his ward has doubled.
