NOTI, Ore. (KMTR) -- Heather Stahl and her family moved to Noti about four years ago, thinking they were coming to a quiet community without much crime.
She says they didn't run into any trouble until a few weeks ago. Stahl says she witnessed a man stealing from her property and called 911. She says it took authorities about an hour to get respond and by that time, the suspect was gone.
Sunday night, Stahl says she saw the same man on the street with a flashlight. She's worried criminals are targeting the area because they know about the budget cuts to the Sheriff's Office, meaning fewer deputies and jail beds.
With no immediate solution coming from local government, Stahl says she's working on ways to protect herself and neighbors. She's working on starting a neighborhood watch program, hoping criminals will steer clear of the community if they know residents are watching out for each other.
