Residents of a Vermont city plagued by an epidemic of homelessness and drug use are protesting a “lack of respect” for law-abiding citizens and complaining that crime keeps them out at night.
Burlington is the most populous city in this small state. 44,500 The crime rate for the population is 60 per 1,000 residents, which is much higher than the state and national average, law enforcement officials said. data is shown.
Just a few weeks ago, the newly elected Burlington City School Board member resigned Police seized about 86 grams of heroin and fentanyl from him during a traffic stop on Sept. 16, Breitbart News reported.
In August, the pastor of the city's 150-year-old First Baptist Church warned local media about drug dealing and homeless encampments surrounding the sanctuary.
“We are definitely under siege,” says Pastor Kelly Cameron said WCAX explained that the church wants to help people suffering from drug addiction, but is faced with disrespect and criminal behavior.
“Where does the responsibility lie? We're being asked to put up cameras, we're being asked to put up fences, we're being asked to do all these things. Where do we say, come on, it's time to help ourselves? ” she said. “It's very difficult to show compassion when you don't get anything in return for your compassion.”
Several other dissatisfied residents said FOX News this week reported that they don't feel safe. The paper noted that Vermont itself has seen a 500 percent increase in drug overdose deaths over the past decade.
“It's very nice during the day, but as people are saying, it's really dangerous at night,” said a local young man named Lucas.
“I don’t walk at night,” said an elderly woman named Nancy. “It's dangerous.”
“People get assaulted at night,” she continued, adding that she considers herself “very lucky” not to be a victim herself.
One of her neighbors, who uses a wheelchair, went outside to smoke a cigarette one night and was “severely beaten” by the suspects, who also tried to destroy the victim's chair, she said.
After dark, “no one goes out,” Nancy added.
Patricia, a Burlington business owner, said city government needs to focus on “community safety” as much as the welfare of the homeless and addicts.
“This town and the government seem to be very focused on helping addicts,” she told Fox News, adding that some businesses have abandoned the town because of crime and drugs. “There seems to be a lack of respect for the people who are doing business, the people who are trying to run the store.”
