Charlotte -- Police tell us they have assigned the Street Crimes Task Force to the University Area after an increase in robberies and burglaries. In addition, officers are doing saturated patrols and license checks.

They're trying to work with stores to give tips that will prevent crimes. To stop burglaries, they've told store clerks to clear out cash registers and prop up the empty registers so potential thieves can see them.

Crime statistics from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police's North Divison show business burglaries are up more than 50%. Armed robberies are up 30%.