City leaders to address high crime areas after 7 Tulsa murders in 7 days

TULSA - City leaders are looking for ways to keep crimes, like the quadruple homicide at Fairmont Terrace, from happening again.

Overall crime is down across Tulsa and only slightly up in the area surrounding the apartment complex, near 61st and Peoria.

According to statistics provided by the Tulsa Police Department, officers responded to 486 calls at Fairmont Terrance and the immediate surrounding area last year, about 30 more than the previous year.

Most of the calls were for assaults.

Statistics show two murders in the area last year, which was the same number in 2011.

When Jessica Mannino moved to the apartment complex in June, the single mother of two knew what to expect.

"I mean I knew it was tough down here but I didn't know it was this bad," said Mannino. "There's always something happening.  I mean I've seen three fights outside my window."

Jamila Jones feels the same way and is already making future plans.

"My lease will be up in a while and I'll be gone," said Jones.

Property managers say they have taken a number of steps in recent months to improve security.

Councilor G.T. Bynum, who represents the district, said the city can also play a role in improving security there.

"There are things that we need to be looking at doing a better job of from a city government's standpoint," said Bynum.

Bynum said the city can do a better job letting people know about anonymous crime reporting, which he says would really help police.

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett said he's looking at every possible avenue, from abatement issues to problems stemming from out of state ownership.

Bartlett said increasing safety is a top priority.

City leaders will discuss the matter later this month.