People who live in several south Augusta neighborhoods got an early morning wake-up call 4 a.m. Wednesday when officers arrested dozens of suspected gang members and confiscated thousands of dollars in drugs and hundreds of guns.

The arrests aren't surprising for many who live in the area.

Along Abelia Street, neighbors say there's been more gang activity lately, including drug traffic, rape, and burglary.

Peggy Walker, who's lived in the neighborhood for 10 years, says he's been waiting for these arrests.

"It's so much going on. I'm glad they've caught up with all this. Sometimes you're scared, you don't know what you are going to see when you go out the door," said Walker.

But some say even with stepped-up police patrols over the last year, Wednesday morning's crackdown is a little too late.

"I just don't think they've got them all and I don't think they ever will, they let this go on far too long," said another neighbor.

Evangelist Jacqueline Harris of Evangelize Jesus Ministries said she and her church have been going out into the community to change that.

"Some things are the darkest before the dawn and in order for things to change and turn around, you have to get to the core of the issue," said Harris.

And for many who live in south Augusta the arrests are a good start.