Police Boost Midtown Presence for Halloween

ATLANTA - Atlanta Police officers patrolled the streets of Midtown on foot and with their vehicles, distributing candy and looking for any suspicious activity.

The effort is part of Mayor Kasim Reed's promise at Midtown community meetings to boost patrols in the Midtown area after a rash of armed robberies.

Officers with the APEX Unit, which addresses criminal activity such as gangs, have patrolled the Midtown area and conducted public roll calls for several weeks.

Residents tell FOX 5 the measure is effective, yet worry the resources will eventually move elsewhere to other parts of the city that need patrol support. Officers said the measure will continue for several weeks, or until police leaders and the Mayor decide the patrol efforts are no longer needed.