A New Haven neighborhood has called in a crime-deterring volunteer group called the "Guardian Angels" to help protect residents in the wake of several recent muggings in the Wooster Square area.
Safety has been the main topic of conversation in Wooster Square, and the neighborhood watch posted warnings after at least three people – all women – were attacked and robbed over the last few weeks.
"It's really scary because there are times when I'm out here in the park by myself," said Alissa Goldberg, who moved to Wooster Square in May and was out walking her dog.
Goldberg and her roommate Imani Williams were not alone Tuesday night, however. A team of Guardian Angels joined them.
"The goal is a physical deterrent to crime is paramount and giving a calming effect to the neighborhood, to women in particular," explained Rocky Pratt of the Guardian Angels' New Haven Chapter.
The local neighborhood watch invited the unarmed civilians – all wearing their signature red berets – to patrol the area and to step in and stop a crime if need be.
"We cannot give into fear, because then the bad guys win," said Peter Webster, captain of the Wooster Square Watch.
Webster said the New Haven Police Department has also increased patrols both on bicycle and in police vehicles. At this point, he said, there are no known suspects and police have yet to make any arrests.
"The women cannot give good descriptions of the assailants because they don't see them, because they come up out of no where," said Webster.
Plans are to have the Guardian Angels and the warning remain in place each evening until those responsible for the recent incidents can be located.
