BURLINGTON, Vt. -
There has been a rise in attacks in the Burlington area over the past month. Just in the past week there have been three assaults in which a weapon was used or shown.
During the day, North Street in Burlington is bustling with sounds of cars, kids and a heavy police presence. But when night falls, that's when many people choose to stay off the streets.
"It does make you think about walking at home at night alone," said Burlington resident, Mary Michalek.
There have been 14 assaults since September 1st in Burlington, a number that alarms Burlington police.
"It is not normal, it is a substantial spike for sure," said Deputy Chief, Andi Higbee, with the Burlington Police Department.
And even neighbors like Mary Michalek have noticed, "There seems to be an usual amount of violence and break-in's in the area."
This is the second violent attack in just a week, the first one happened on Intervale Avenue and the most recent on Elmwood.
On Intervale Avenue, one man was shot after being robbed. Then days later a Burlington cab driver robbed at gunpoint, and the most recent attack happened on Elmwood Avenue, two men struck a victim with a blunt object and tried to rob him.
While police can't nail down a specific reason for these violent attacks they say most likely they are connected, "From experience these types of crimes definitely are related or there's a nexus of some sort of drug use," said Higbee.
Mary has even changed habits to ensure she isn't caught in a bad situation, "When its dark I will drive, I just think it's safer and it's just not worth the risk."
Police are looking for the public's help to solve these recent crimes and are offering a reward for information leading to an arrest.
