BY CHIEF P.K. JOHNSON
MILLBROOK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Over the past week the Millbrook Police Department has seen an increase in the number of reported property crimes, with most of the complaints coming from the northern portion of the city. The majority of the offenses reported have been Unlawful Breaking and Entering of a Motor Vehicle and Theft. In the majority of the incidents, we know that property, such as cash, weapons and computers were left in an unsecure vehicle. The Millbrook Police Department is asking the public for assistance. If you observe any suspicious activity in your neighborhood we ask that you contact the Millbrook Police Department immediately, at 285-6832 or 911 if an emergency situation exist. Anyone that may have information pertaining to these thefts is encouraged to contact law enforcement as well. You may also contact the Secret Witness Line at 285-8500.
We see this around this time each year as the holidays approach. We want our citizens to be aware and encourage them to take the steps necessary to secure their property as well. Eighty percent of all crimes committed are crimes of opportunity. In the overwhelming majority of these cases the victims are reporting that their vehicle was left unsecure with valuables left unsecured in the vehicle.
We’ve had weapons, cash and computers reported stolen. We are asking that our citizens secure their vehicles and remove any valuables from their vehicles when they are left unattended, particularly during the evening hours. Never leave a weapon, such as a gun, in your vehicle.
I’ve instructed our officers to conduct extra patrols in our residential areas, particularly those that have been affected. We are asking that our citizens assist us by reporting any suspicious vehicles or persons they may observe in their neighborhoods. We’d rather get 10 calls and check on a situation than not get the one call that may help us take a criminal off our streets.
One of our officers recently stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and recovered a handgun that had been reported stolen from a residence just days prior to the traffic stop. Please be vigilant with regard to securing your property and don’t hesitate in reporting suspicious activity to the police department.
