Minot Crime | Video

Sarahbeth Ackerman | 1/8/2013

"This used to be a smaller town and you just felt safe and comfortable here. And, now it`s growing," said North Dakota native Judy Berentson.

With a growing population, that means there`s a bigger chance for crime. Between recent attempted abductions, break-ins and mall threats, the Minot Police Department has their hands full.

"We do have an increase because of the changing community. I do see a lot more complaints on my desk that are dealing with people that are not local people," said Sgt. David Goodman.

Goodman recognizes that many situations may also be caused by locals.

"I think all of the oil development is changing the state of North Dakota, and I wish we can go back to the way it used to be, that`s what I wish," said Berentson.

The Minot Police Department has been forced to prioritize their cases and deal with the more serious ones first. "It`s kinda sad that it`s escalated to that to because we used to be a department to where we could work every case and try and be there for everybody in the community. But, it`s getting to the point where we need to really concentrate on the more serious cases," said Goodman.

Police say in some cases it may take longer to respond, but they may refer you to another agency to help solve your case. "In our office, and I think I speak for all of us, we all try to get back to what was put on the back burner if you will, but as that sits on the back burner, other complaints are rolling in faster than ever," said Goodman.

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