Tracking crime in the capital city, new numbers from the Columbia Police show burglaries are up sharply.

Crime statistics show Columbia home burglaries  are up by nearly a third this year over last.

From January first through October 5^th officials say 1150 homes were hit by crooks.

That's compared with 869 for the same time in 2008.

That recent rise has some residents on high alert.

Dondi Marfori wants to feel safe in his neighborhood.

"There have been these break-ins during the day in this area...and it has us worried a lot," says Marfori.  

A recent spike in crime has the Heathwood resident on edge.

Marfori says he knows of seven break-ins, in the past few months.

"I've heard of several instances on the block behind us and some of the other blocks in the area,” says Dean Cook.        
      
Cook says, he has the same concerns because not too long ago someone tried to break into his wife's car.

"It was a little unnerving," says Cook.  

"Compared to last year’s statistics, we are 32-percent a head of where we were last year in residential break-ins," says Cook. 

Columbia Police Captain Thomas Dodson says he doesn't think the officers are to blame for the rise in crime...he says people are simply looking for a buck.

"We are in a down economy a down economy forces people out in the open, committing crimes to support what ever habits, and maybe in some cases just to live," says Captain Dodson.

But statistics also show in surrounding counties like Richland and Lexington, home burglaries are "down" roughly 7-percent so far this year.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says that's due to neighborhood crime watch programs and aggressive patrols.

"We identify problem areas, we put people in there, and some in undercover vehicles - some in marked units, high visibility prevents crime," says Sheriff Lott.

Something Marfori wishes Columbia police would do to help his neighborhood.

"This is a good area to be in, and it should demand a little more attention,” Marfori.