Arkansas-side police investigate break-ins
The Texarkana Ark., Police Department has received numerous reports of vehicle break-ins and burglaries in the past several weeks.
In most reported cases the vehicle was left unlocked with valuable items in plain sight. TAPD is working diligently providing extra patrols, detective investigations, and undercover surveillance to cease this type of criminal activity, said Officer Kristi Bennett, spokesman for TAPD.
“We are asking that all of our citizens become persistent in locking their vehicles. Ensuring all valuable items are not located inside the vehicle in plain sight. And remember if you see something, say something. Call 911 immediately if you hear any type of activity that sounds suspicious or unusual in anyway. We ask that you don’t attempt to investigate, but just to call 911 immediately,” Bennett said.
Citizens can also utilize the TAPD mobile app to register their security cameras in the department’s security camera surveillance database.
“In doing so, you can help yourself and your neighbors from being a victim of a vehicle burglary or theft. Several arrests have been made from the video surveillance that our citizens are providing to us in these cases,” Bennett said.
Vehicle break-ins only take a few minutes – even less when the car is left unlocked or when thieves smash windows to grab items they have seen inside. Criminals will often drive though parking lots or residential neighborhoods, looking for vehicles with open windows or unlocked doors. Vehicle prowlers watch for valuables left in the open such as; cellular phones, electronics, stereo equipment, purses, or wallets. If you must leave valuables in your car, conceal those items from view before arriving at your destination.
Be aware that vehicle break-ins commonly lead to other crimes such as fraud and identity theft, so limit the amount of personal information you keep inside your vehicle. Record serial numbers of your valuables and keep them in a safe place (not inside your vehicle).
And as always, if you see any suspicious persons or activity, call the police promptly. Anyone with information of any crime is strongly urged to contact the TAPD at 903-798-3154 or Texarkana area CrimeStoppers at 903-793-STOP.
Thank you and you can visit the TAPD online at http://www.txkusa.