Guam - There's an increase in the number of reported burglaries in the village of Barrigada. Mayor Jessie Palican says his office has received about ten calls or residential burglaries this past month alone. Several concerned residents also called KUAM's newsroom this week hoping to get the word out about the crime being committed in their village.

Palican says he is working with the Mayor's Council to develop a neighborhood watch program for his village as well as implement other security measures. "It's a community problem and we have to all get together and be good neighbors and keep a watchful eye and help each other out because this could happen anytime of the day or night, so we are doing is try to look at every element aspect and see how we can deter the crime, so if a house is secluded and cover with boonies then our office will go out and assess and work with homeowners and try and clear areas were it can help be more visible," he explained.

Palican adds they will be meeting with the Guam Police Department during next month's Council meeting to discuss ways to increase police presence in his village.