ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Businesses in one area of the city of Rochester are putting out a desperate call for help as the area is facing a severe crime problem.

Owner of Convenient Market & Deli, Super Patel, says the troubles become one thing after another as he describes some vandalism.

“This is an air machine and look at it. It’s all gone,” he said. “The motor’s gone.”

The store owner says daily loitering and customer harassment are also a problem.

"Why would someone want to come in here and shop?” he said. “How are they going to feel safe coming into my store? ... These are the battles all these businesses are facing.”

Despite this, Patel says he loves the community and the people there.

A mural depicts ‘the Avenue,’ as Clinton Avenue is known in these parts, featuring its businesses, the church, a baseball field, a park and, unfortunately, crime tape.

Those who knew the victim of a murder that just happened on Thursday visit and mourn at a memorial.

That victim became the 12th homicide in this North Clinton Corridor between Upper Falls Boulevard and Norton Street.

The numbers are so significant that the North Clinton Avenue Business Association calls on everyone in the community to step up and help.

“Why are we not doing something?” said North Clinton Business Association President Albert Algarin. “We have to stand up. Government. Neighborhood. Businesses. Community, I don't care if you live in Fairport or Pittsford, we need your help.”

Algarin says violent crime is causing an immediate negative impact on businesses that continue to lose customers, employees and property.

“We can’t continue to live like this,” he said. “Something has to happen. And right now, the police department is doing an amazing job. They only have so many police officers and barely make calls because of the short staff. So what we try to do from the Business Association point of view is to try to hire security.”

While some businesses in the area have closed, Patel worries about what would happen to his customers if he closed his doors.

"This is a community store,” he said. “If we shut down, where are they going to get their milk and eggs for their breakfast? Because not everyone can have the access to go to Walmart and all these supermarkets. A lot of people are local. They walk and ride their bike to the store, even in the winter.”

So Patel’s operation stays open as he joins in the effort to make this community safer for businesses and for the people who live there.