Violent crime in Antioch is way up and arrests are down, according to new statistics released from the Antioch police department.

The Antioch police chief Allan Cantando said the increase has to do with not having enough officers.

So far this year, violent crimes and property crimes are up 44 percent, but arrests are down 17 percent compared to the same time a year ago.

The average response time for a priority one call is around 11 minutes, and several people told KTVU Friday, that's unacceptable.

Brittney Gougeon created the group Take Back Antioch to get the community involved in working with police.

"They are overworked and understaffed and as a community, we definitely need to support them," Gourgeon said. "I think the community realizes what's going on in Antioch, but they don't know what to do about it."

The department is now taking tips on its Facebook page and through anonymous text messages.

"I've been involved in that, I know people that have been involved in that and that's what's led to several arrests," Gougeon said. "In the last six weeks, I know that there's three arrests to my name."

Jonathan Hernandez, who was recently assaulted after he dropped off his son at school, said he was so frustrated by the rise in crime he's circulating a petition to allow citizens to openly carry loaded handguns in Antioch.

Hernandez told KTVU he feels like he needs to carry a gun.

Cantando said on the phone Friday night that he is concerned about this spike in crime.

He said the department is bringing on some new officers, but he won't sugarcoat the situation when he presents it to the city council next week.