Despite a recent string of violent crimes, rates in the area are actually falling. In less than a month there have been two shootings and a stabbing in grand junction, and police are still looking for suspects.

"There's nothing dramatic going on, it's just a couple of odd situations in the last weeks that I don't have an explanation for."

The good news, according to the police department, is that compared to 2010 crime rates are down. In 2005 rates peaked in the area, but since then year to year they've been dropping.

"Any time you look at crime rates you need to realize that crime is cyclical and that it goes up and down and there's not necessarily a specific reason why that happens."

District Attorney, Pete Hautzinger says people need to be aware that the community is changing.

"We continue to be morphing from a rural community to an urban community and I still find folks in our community who want to think it's a small town USA and it's okay to leave the keys in your ignition or your front door unlocked."

But law enforcement has some tips that work all the time and even in this growing community.

"Just know your neighbors, go out and talk to them. Make sure you know who they are, and who's supposed to be there and who's not. Look out for each other, that's one of the biggest things that people can do, and it's quite simple as well."

Officials encourage everyone to call in anything suspicious.

The police department says open lines of communication are what stop crime in the first place.