According to Robert Carreira, director of the Center for Economic Research at Cochise College, Tombstone's unemployment rate reached 4.8 percent in 2009.

"Every city around the state has their burglary and theft problems but because of our economy and the job situations here in Tombstone, people are preying on unsuspecting residents," said Tombstone Marshal Larry Talvy.

According to FBI preliminary crime statistics for 2009, there was a 5.3 percent decrease in property crime nationally. Property crime dropped everywhere except in southern states, where burglary rose nearly a full percentage point. FBI statistics also show a 4.4 percent decrease in national violent crime rates. While no statistics are presently available regarding such crimes in Tombstone, locals say they have not had the fortune of a decrease in violent crimes.

Last year, Tombstone police saw burglaries, larcenies, thefts, and violent crime jump significantly, Talvy said. He said he thinks the economy is a likely cause for the recent spike in major crimes, but poverty and stress also play vital roles.

"I will tell you it was a very unusual year," Talvy said. "We've had a lot of activity in this sleepy town and it's a lot more active than people realize."

Theft in Tombstone has been alarmingly high since 2009. From car break-ins to simple shoplifting, the town faces larceny on a daily basis.

On Jan. 19, $3,000 was stolen from the vehicle of Helldorado Town owner Jaye Kukowski as she was closing for the night.

"Our officers work diligently to get information but if we don't get it, it's the nature of the beast and we have to keep pressing on," Talvy said, referring to the recent theft.

Shops on Allen Street have also noticed a rise in theft.

"There has been shoplifting before, a lot of places actually," said Spur Western Wear sales associate Cyndy Wolven. "Not too long ago, we had people come in and steal about $300 worth of merchandise right out from under our noses. I have no idea how they got out. There's only one door out of my store, the rest are bolted."

Talvy says he has noticed an increase in both general statistics and more unusual crimes.

"We've had burglaries, we've have thefts and then we've also had people hitting people on the head with hammers," he said.

On Jan. 4, two men began fighting while hanging drywall. One subject pulled out a gun and the other hit him over the head with a tool.

"It's a gun town, everybody owns guns," Wolven said.

The same financial pressures that drive these crimes also affect the police force. The sour economy is breeding a level of crime Tombstone police may not have the manpower to handle.

"With the minimal manpower I have, we are maintaining 24-hour coverage here in town because of the violent crimes," Talvy said.

To prevent crime levels from escalating this year, Talvy and his forces plan to stay alert, make contact with residents, and look for patterns in crimes to try to prevent them.

Wary of Talvy's plans, some citizens are ensuring their personal safety in other ways.

"I carry a knife on me at all times," Wolven said. "Plus I've got nails. People don't really mess with me. Boots, nails, and knives generally deter anybody from trying to do anything."

Retired police officer Ricardo Dellarosa, who now lives in town, advocates gun ownership in Tombstone. "If everyone was to carry a gun, it would keep crime rate lower," he said. "Everyone should pack a pistol."