Chris Jones: Green Publishing, Inc.
Lock it or lose it. That phrase is being echoed by police departments and law enforcement agencies across the sunshine state. It refers specifically to locking your vehicle doors so you are not a victim of a break-in. The majority of vehicle thefts are due to unlocked doors or open windows. This crime of opportunity takes thieves only seconds, allowing them to illegally enter your vehicle, steal your property, and be long gone by the time you realize what has happened. Removing valuables from your cars and locking your doors may seem simple enough, but many residents simply forget or get sidetracked due the stress of the daily life. The theft of your purse, wallet, or documents with sensitive information could also result in identity theft. These crimes can be prevented by simply locking homes, garage doors, windows, and vehicles.
Neighboring Monticello has experienced a surge in vehicle burglaries in recent weeks.
Madison Police Chief, Reggie Alexander, told Greene Publishing, Inc. that Madison has seen similar trends in the past, but he thinks the primary offenders are currently locked up and off the streets. With that said, Chief Alexander elaborated that the citizens of Madison can help keep the number of vehicle break-ins at its current low level by parking in well lit and populated areas, always locking vehicle doors and closing windows, and keeping valuable items such as purses and laptops out of sight.
“My special tip to the people of Madison is 'See something – say something,'” said Chief Alexander. “The person who sees a crime or knows something illegal has happened and fails to say something about it could easily be the next victim,” continued Chief Alexander.
Major David Harper, of the Madison County Sheriff's Office, reports that, much like the city, Madison County has been fortunate regarding the number of recent vehicle break-ins. “The people who have been responsible for many of the past beak-ins are currently incarcerated, thanks to some good arrests; however, I would urge people to treat their vehicles like their homes, and lock them up. Criminals are opportunistic, don't make it easy for them,” said Maj. Harper.
If you see something suspicious you can report it to the Madison Police Department by calling (850) 973-5077, the Madison County Sheriff's Office by calling (850) 973-4001, or in the case of an emergency, dial 911.