When it comes to prostitution they say they've seen it all, right in front of their homes. The area of Georgian and Powell is considered a hotspot for prostitution. Police have a heavy presence in that area. Regardless, some say the crime is spreading.
There are many reasons why Tony Scalzo and his wife moved to North Austin ten years ago; big backyard, studio in the back, a place to raise their kids. Right here, probably the most action happens right here," Scalzo said. During the day, throughout the night, Scalzo says it's pretty much around-the-clock. He and his wife have had to call the police more than twenty times over the last two years.
Yelling at them to get out of here, that kind of thing. The cops have told me, that's not what we want you to do. Yet, you just can't help it sometimes. It's just really, it's really irritating," he explained. Austin Police say Georgian and Powell is where most of the cases occur. Residents say that is now spilling into the surrounding neighborhoods. I mean, I want my kid to be able to play in the front yard," said Scalzo.
Open land is also being used as a dumping ground, where undergarments, condoms, beer cans and drug baggies are being thrown. I've lost a couple of friends, who died. This area is messed up, real bad," another concerned resident told us. He says police presence in the area is high but the crime is too much for them to handle. They can't control it.
They can't control anything around here. All Scalzo wants, is a safe place for his son and the other children in the neighborhood.
