Kasim Reed speaks at the Atlanta Press Club on Friday, Jan. 30, 2015.

Atlanta suffers under recent uptick in crime

ATLANTA — Mayor Kasim Reed has made crime-reduction a centerpiece of his administration, but a recent uptick in reported crimes may tarnish his accomplishments.

More crimes have been reported in recent months in Midtown and Buckhead. But, Reed suggested lax sentencing of repeat offenders is to blame for the increase.

“I don’t mind you all holding me accountable, but when our police officers arrest someone 30 times and they go before a judge and they walk for $200, they come back and rob you again,” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution quoted Reed as saying.