DURHAM -- Durham Police have kicked off Operation Bulls Eye, a year-long effort aimed at curbing crime in east Durham. Officers are spreading the word, in both English and Spanish.

“If you’re breaking the law and you’re reducing the quality of life for the citizens in this area, we’re going to target you,” said Cpl. Chris Fisher with the Durham Police Department.

For the next 12 months, police will bolster their presence in the area; something they consider a proactive approach to fighting crime.

“They’re going to see more officers out of the cars, patrolling the areas on foot,” said Cpl. Hector Borges with the Durham Police Department.

These officers will be patrolling one of the most violent areas of the city; an area police say contains a lot of gang activity and prostitution.

While only 2 percent of Durham’s population lives in east Durham, police statistics show the area accounts for 20 percent of the city’s violent crime.

Operation Bulls Eye not only involves stepped up law enforcement, but also addressed quality of life issues such as substance abuse and rundown properties.