The ink was barely dry on articles and an editorial about the likelihood of increased violence and other crimes in the summer when Bloomington police found themselves investigating a series of shootings.

Within six hours on June 21, there were four reports of gunfire, with one injured person requiring hospital treatment.

Police said two "factions" were shooting at each other - these weren't random shootings. But that is small consolation. It's far too easy for bullets to randomly hit unintended targets.

The investigation is continuing, with no arrests made as this is being written.

However, it is heartening to hear that residents are showing a greater willingness to talk with police.

Maybe the fear of being caught in the crossfire outweighs other fears.

Maybe a greater emphasis on community policing and neighborhood watch programs is bearing fruit.

Regardless of the cause, the results are encouraging.

Police need the cooperation of the public in order to protect the public.

Some advice from Bloomington police in last month's Pantagraph article on summer crime is worth repeating.

Call the police if you see:

• Someone going from house to house looking in windows or parked cars.
• Slow-moving vehicles with their lights off at night and/or repeatedly passing through the area.
• People conducting "business" at curbside, a possible sign of dealing in drugs or stolen property.
• Someone removing property from a closed business or a vacant house.

Even if your report turns out to be an unintentional false alarm, such as a business owner taking work home after hours, it is better to notify police and let them sort things out then to report your suspicions after a crime has been committed and the criminal is long gone.