YOUNGSTOWN - Police say they have increased patrols on Youngstown’s South Side after receiving several reports of gunfire in neighborhoods over the past 24 hours.

Captain Jason Simon says that a house on Douglas Avenue appears to have been targeted two nights in a row.

"When the house was shot up for a second night in a row--we have reason to believe for whatever reason--this is a targeted crime.", Simon said.

In addition, police were called to the area of Cottage Grove and Boston where more than 20 shots were fired.

Police say the shootings don’t appear to be related to each other, and they believe the incidents are crimes directed at a certain individual or individuals.

Several investigators have been assigned to the cases, say police, so that those responsible will be apprehended quickly.

Investigators are asking the public for help.

“The more quickly YPD receives valuable tips and information, the more quickly we can put together a case to arrest these criminals,” said Capt. Simon. “Working in concert with our community is the only way we all help stop these violent crimes.”

Anyone who has information that may assist investigators with the cases are asked to contact the Youngstown Police Department Detective Division (330-742-8911) or Crime Stoppers (330-746-CLUE).