At the beginning of the week, residents on the southend of Ironton woke up to something with which no one should have to deal with.

Residents found their tires slashed.

The Ironton Police Department is working diligently on the investigation and could potentially determine the culprit or culprits soon.

These types of incidents around Ironton and other places have increased.

While law enforcement has worked to fight these crimes, it is time for our community and neighborhoods to come together, work as one and help those charged with protecting us to alleviate some of these issues.

The person or people who are responsible for these crimes need to understand that we, as a community, will not tolerate this anymore.

This also means that those who commit these crimes need to understand that there will be consequences.

So, what can citizens do?

Create or join a neighborhood watch program and simply be vigilant. But, possibly the most important thing you can do is to alert the authorities and do not take matters into your own hands.

Doing this can help you, your neighbors and law enforcement to reach peaceful resolutions.