Lots of people theorize about how to fight crime in the West End. The Nightcrawlers are actually doing something about it. The volunteer group’s brand of outreach and prayer could play a pivotal part in fighting crime in the West End.
Call them prayer vigilantes. Timothy Bates and fellow members of this crew stroll en masse through the violence-stricken West End, and when they find a place where trouble might lurk, they don’t draw guns; they join hands and pray.
Bates is uniquely qualified for this mission. A former drug dealer himself, he served time in prison and realized the error of his ways. Mother Annie, a constant source of strength in his life, has been beside him all the way.
It will take a multi-faceted approach to make the residents of the West End feel safe again. Stepped up police patrols are part of it; they city has committed to that, though police presence was not obvious during Friday night’ prayer walk. Residents need to be more vigilant at looking out for each other through a Community Watch group and more trusting of police who need to investigate crimes.
Salisbury is facing up to its crime problems, but the rise of the Nightcrawlers is a sign that residents aren’t waiting for police and government to provide all the solutions. If there’s strength in numbers, there’s double strength or more in volunteers who will show up in force to protect a neighborhood. They are committed to law and order and their neighbors’ safety. That’s priceless.
Thank you, Nightcrawlers, for setting a good example for the entire city. Stick together and stay safe.