CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- After two shootings in less than 24 hours Authorities in Charleston are trying to reassure the public that these acts of violence are probably not random.

“These crimes that have occurred they are not random at all, the victims have some kind of relationships with the suspects,” said Major Jason Beckett with Charleston Police.

Christopher Summers was shot in an alley on Grant Street early Thursday morning.

“A lot of times the victims of shootings, violence, they are involved with high risk activities anyway. So it’s almost like they just up their chances of something happening,” said Major Beckett.

Summers has been on the other side of the law before, he was booked for breaking into cars.

Antonio Jefferies was also just let out of jail- he was shot Wednesday on Clay Avenue.

“As far as your average citizen walking around, I don’t think they have a lot to fear,” Major Beckett said.

Officers also say to trust your gut, if something doesn’t look or feel right, go inside and call them.

“We need the calls- we are making a lot of drug arrests- which a lot of these shootings revolve around, but there are still a lot of people dealing drugs we can use the citizen’s help,” said Metro Drug Unit Lieutenant A.C. Napier.

Both officers say there are just areas where this crime happens more frequently, because there are pockets of drug activity.

They also say cleaning up the streets is going to require residents changing their mentality towards reporting crimes.

Earlier this week police and community leaders worked to spread that message when they kicked off a campaign titled, “It’s not about snitching, it’s about doing the right thing.”