OMAR — Members of the Omar Area Crimewatch discussed the problem of out of state drug runners in the Route 44 area, and other topics at their March meeting, which was attended by a representative from WCHS television out of Charleston.

Larry Rogers said the OACW would be having a special meeting next month where local elected officials and legislators would be invited to hear from their constituents about their concerns.

Rogers noted that over the course of the past year there have been drug arrests made on individuals staying in the Route 44 area, who were actually from Ohio and Detroit. Rogers noted the community and volunteers from several neighborhood watch groups had made great strides in improving their communities, but warned if drug dealers set up shop with impunity in the area all the hard work will go right down the drain, along with property values.

“Then you won’t be able to move to a different community, because you won’t be able to sell your home,” he said. “We can’t afford for that to happen here. An area can become a bad place almost overnight. If you don’t get involved a community can go down hill very fast.”

Rogers noted that by keeping a community safe from crime and drugs it can improve property values.

“People say that when you volunteer for your watch groups it doesn’t pay. Well, it does pay in property values and everyone benefits,” he said.

Rogers said there are areas in Logan where drugs were sold right out in the daytime and prostitutes walked around turning tricks in the open and that most people in his community did not want to see that happen where they live.

“To keep that form happening, we are all going to have to work together,” he said.

The OACW has another problem similar to problems faced in Logan and West Logan, to wit, old dilapidated buildings and run down structures that have become havens for criminal activity. Members complained about one run down apartment complex that has become a problem area for those who live near it.

“We would like the county to come in here and tear it down,” said one elderly resident concerned about the crime and health problems the structure currently poses.

People at the meeting expressed their concerns with Aaron Smeltzer, a cameraman for WCHS television who attended the meeting. They explained how the group was formed after one local senior citizen (who was present) was robbed. They also discussed what they would like to see done to address the crime problem, including:

• More long term rehab facilities for people who are hooked on drugs and want off them.

• Less methadone clinics.

• An end to the practice of doctor shopping.

• An end to the state paying for drugs for young addicts by giving them state medical cards.

• Incentives for people to volunteer for watch groups, such as penalties for harassing neighborhood watch members and PEIA insurance.

• Passing legislation cutting off benefits from people on welfare or SSI who cannot pass drug tests.