Gun dealers report a 25% spike in sales brought on by a struggling economy.

They say people are scared this slumping economy will cause criminals to become more desperate.

It's been a question on the minds of many in Michiana considering what we've seen over the last four days.

Police say rising gun sales isn't so much cause for concern, it's illegal use of guns.

Neighbors who live near the latest shooting say lately the mention of a gun is terrifying.

Patricia Brant says, “It's just too close to home. I'm getting ready to have a grandbaby coming and it's scary.”

A walk from her porch to the intersection of Mishawaka Ave and Logan Street may only be just a few physical steps away, but Wednesday morning it was mentally a frightening few moments for fifteen year old Chelsea Baiz.

Just hours before, a fatal shooting happened there.

Baiz says, “It still scares me. I'm pregnant walking around outside and stuff.”

Baiz and her mom, Patricia Brant say what's also scary, is knowing that there could be a number of suspects still out there a string of seven shootings in South Bend in four days.

Brant says, “You don't know if someone's going to come back and try to do more, whatever the consequences are.”

While police investigate these scenes, Brant worries why are there so many guns out there. Gun dealers are reporting a 25 percent spike in sales since the economic crisis. This has many worried if criminals could be more likely to shoot.

Brant and her daughter have different theories.

Baiz says, “I think it's just people, gangs and stuff. I don't think it's because of the economy. If someone is going to shoot, they're going to shoot. That's how it is around here.”

Brant says, “It might be true. I think it causes them to do violence, drugs, stealing, what not.”

South Bend Police say it's stolen guns that they're worried about.

Captain Phil Trent says, “A lot of the guns we see in the hands of criminals were taken from handgun owners. Secure it properly in your residence to minimize the chance of it being stolen in a home burglary situation.”

Captain Trent says if you chose to buy a gun, you should know how to use it safely.