I agree about Neil and also that people have to be ready to protect themselves and their families. 

However, you can attribute the recent spike to the new Mayor if you like. I can't prove that, so I won't. I wish some people would stop pretending Anchorage was some sort of crime free utopia before he took office. Yes, there's been a spike, but the crime has been present and concerning for at least 5 years now. This is nothing new and anyone who pretends so is playing politics.

And the police aren't going to protect anyone for most crimes. Usually they're called after something already happens. Maybe beefing up the gang unit and getting some trail patrols will help, but for the most part everyone has to look out for themselves and their neighbors and be smart.