SOUTHINGTON, Conn. -- Offenses known as Part 1 crimes have increased in Southington, an otherwise quiet town with a population of about 42,000.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Erika Arias reported crime statistics for one year show a 20 percent rise in Part 1 crimes, which include rapes, robberies and assaults.

The Southington Police Department could soon hire four new officers to combat rising crime rates.

"We're trying to bring the numbers down. Obviously, 20 percent is a high figure for Part 1 crimes, most serious offenses. So, we're trying to get a handle on that," Southington police Sgt. Lowell DePalma said.

In one year, drug-related crimes increased from 77 to 142, and the number of rapes reported in Southington jumped from 21 to 27.

Kelly Pierkowski remembers a recent robbery and standoff at the Bob's Furniture store in town, which is not far from her job at SuperCuts.

"I actually have some clients over there, kind of scary," she said.

She said she has noticed an increase in crime in the area and she hopes to see more officers soon.

"A lot of people work here and we look out for each other, but just to see an officer around would be a little bit safer," Pierkowski said.

The police department said the Town Council has received the request to hire more officers, and the lawmakers could decide the matter in the coming weeks.