REX, Ga. -- Clayton County authorities are using all of their resources to try to take back neighborhoods that are under siege from criminals.

The effort, which began Tuesday in Rex, includes everyone from police to animal control officers.

Investigators said the city has seen large increases in burglaries and robberies.

"We're going to clean up Clayton County. It’s a concerted effort to clean up that area,” said police Chief Jeff Turner.

Turner said eighborhood watch groups and local businesses came to police and asked them to do something.

This week, police are setting up a temporary headquarters at Rex’s Carl Rhodinzer Recreation Center.

Residents, especially senior citizens and teenagers, told CBS Atlanta that they worry about going out at night and in the early morning. They said they’re glad police are more visible.

"I feel safer when I can see a patrol car,” said resident Deborah Tyson.

"It feels like you're being protected. You feel more comfortable with them," said resident Florence Gonzalez.

Turner said the initiative will be permanent. He said investigators will move their operations to a different city each week.

"This is great,” said resident Akilah Williams. “Police care about our community."