Homeowners on Laurel Avenue in Durham, North Carolina, are sounding a loud alarm about what they describe as a wave of criminal activity that has turned their street into a daily safety concern. The block, located just east of downtown and less than a mile from the Durham Police Department headquarters, has seen repeated incidents of drug use, vehicle break‑ins, open‑air fires, litter, and public urination.
Residents detail the daily hazards
“We have been dealing with unwanted drug activity, the stealing of property, loitering, defecating on people’s yards, vandalizing people’s property,” said District 5 PAC leader and homeowner Eddie Hobbs. “We’re having open fires burning on the street. You wake up, there’s all kinds of burnt stuff all over the sidewalk, trees, pallets, just piles of trash every morning.”
Other residents echoed Hobbs’ frustration. Almonte Marshall explained that she now has to shield her children from the sight of drug use, public urination and even overdoses on the street. “I’m having to protect them from what they see on the street,” she said.
Symone Frazier recounted that her daughter’s school‑bus stop had to be changed because the corner was “problematic.” Veronica Tabor described her husband’s car being broken into three times in one week, with doors ripped off at a cost of $1,200 each to repair.
Charlitta Burruss, another District 5 PAC leader who lives near Laurel Avenue, added concerns about the adjacent Edgemont Park, where residents have found needles and condoms littering the grounds.
Police response and community expectations
Durham Police Department officials confirmed that District 5 commanders are aware of the complaints. A department spokesperson said, “In response, District 5 has increased directed patrols in the area, including an increased presence from TACT and the Motor Unit. Officers are also continuing enforcement and crime‑prevention efforts, addressing trespassing and other observed violations when appropriate.” The spokesperson also urged residents to keep reporting incidents to help the department identify patterns and respond effectively.
Despite the increased patrols, many homeowners say they have not seen a noticeable improvement. “My frustration level is so high, because how long can you cry out and not get any help?” Frazier asked. Some residents have suggested moving the GoDurham bus stop away from the troubled corner, while others are calling for changes to Durham’s loitering ordinance.
Impact on property values and future plans
Many of the homes on Laurel Avenue were built by Habitat for Humanity, and owners emphasize that they have invested in their properties and pay local taxes. “Everyone in this community has worked for our houses. We are homeowners. We pay our taxes,” said resident Relva Smith. “But everything and anything goes at the end of that street.”
Smith added that attempts to sell homes have been thwarted by real‑estate agents’ reluctance to show the properties. “I put my house up for sale, it didn’t even sell, due to the realtor being scared to come over here and present my house,” she said. “None of them will sell because of that. So, we are trapped. That’s not fair. That’s not fair at all,” Hobbs concluded.
Looking ahead
The homeowners plan to continue pressing the police department for more visible enforcement and to work with city officials on possible ordinance revisions that could curb loitering and illegal drug activity. Their hope is that sustained community‑police partnership will restore safety and allow families to feel secure in their own homes.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
