Detectives are currently working on numerous burglaries and breaking & entering crimes occurring in the city.  Within the past 30 days there have been 31 incidents that have occurred during this time frame, 22 of which were burglaries and 9 breaking & entering crimes.

    It is apparent that a majority of the burglaries are taking place during the daytime when there are fewer people home.  A majority of the breaking & Entering crimes are taking place at night, usually from unlocked vehicles. 

    It isn’t uncommon to see a rise in these types of property crimes during this time of the year.  To help protect you from the daytime burglaries we advise people to change up their normal routine because criminals will sometimes just wait until somebody leaves and then break into their home.  In some of the cases we’ve seen reported recently, the burglary is taking place soon after the resident leaves.  By changing up your routine you could possibly make it too difficult for a criminal to recognize a pattern of when you’re not home. 

    To help cut down on the breaking & entering crimes we are encouraging people to always lock their doors and not leave valuables in their car.  Last month we caught three suspects responsible for numerous breaking & entering crimes, and in all of those cases the vehicles were left unlocked.  If you are out and about and can’t take your valuables in with you then at least put them out of view, such as in the trunk, so they don’t entice a criminal to break in.  If you park your car outside at night then it’s recommended that you park it near a street light or motion light at your home. 

    Unfortunately, while most of us are out buying Christmas presents the thieves are working hard at stealing our gifts to fill their own wish list.  We are putting this information out to inform the public in an effort to make them aware of what’s going on and in an attempt to help us catch those responsible.  If you see something suspicious you’re encouraged to call 911 without hesitation.  By working together those responsible will be caught. 
 
    Detectives are diligently working on leads in the cases and we are encouraging anyone with information to please contact the Benton Police Department at 778-1171 or leave a tip at 315-TIPS.  To see where the crimes are taking place in the city you may go to www.crimereports.com