BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson addressed the City Council this week with a strong message. “Lock your vehicles, don’t leave anything of value in those vehicles, and please, stop leaving weapons in your vehicle.”
Chief Johnson said his officers and investigators are working numerous recent break-ins of vehicles over the past weeks. But in all honestly, in nearly every case, nothing was broken. The thieves simply opened a vehicle door and stole various items, including firearms.
“In the last week or so we have noticed an uptick of property crimes dealing with vehicle break-ins. They are not breaking into the vehicles. They are getting into unlocked vehicles,” Chief said.
Areas included Park Place Apartments north to both of those apartment complexes on Deatsville Highway and the residential area of Phase II Grandview Pines.
“We had several cars unlawfully entered,” Johnson said. “Our officers found several vehicles that were unlocked, doors open and property on the ground. Unfortunately, firearms were stolen from unlocked vehicles. I would appeal to our citizens, do not ever leave a firearm in an unlocked vehicle. Don’t leave anything of value in your vehicle. I’m not going to say that we don’t ever have windows broken, but nine times out of 10 these are crimes that are committed through opportunity. Secure your vehicles.
“And don’t be offended if one of my officers stop you in the middle of the night walking through one of these areas and ask you what you are doing out at 2 a.m. These things seem to be happening in the wee hours of the morning, so we are increasing our patrols. But we need the help of our citizens. Do everything you can to not be a victim, and if you see or hear anything call us. We will respond. I would rather get 10 calls and have absolutely nothing, then not get one and have someone breaking into cars or entering cars.”
On a more positive note, Johnson said this weekend a lot of motorcyclists will be in town for the Annual Three Rivers Punishers LEMC Blue Santa event. This is a fundraiser by the organization to benefit the Millbrook Police Department’s annual Operation Blue Santa. The program sponsors area children who are in need of Christmas presents.
“Their efforts, along with area businesses and our citizens, in the last three years have raised $17,000 to give kids Christmas presents that otherwise would not have had them,” Johnson said. “So if you see a lot of motorcycles this weekend, don’t think we are being overtaken by a motorcycle gang. This is for a fantastic cause, so I just wanted to get the word out about that.”
Plans for the actual charity ride may be impacted by predicted bad weather. However, the show will go on at The Thirsty Turtle of Millbrook beginning Friday night and beginning Saturday at 1 p.m. There will be raffle tickets available, food and live music. The International President for the Punishers LEMC will also be in town. The event at the Thirsty Turtle is open to the public, and all monies raised will go directly to Blue Santa.
In other good news, the annual Cops and Kids Event hosted by the Millbrook Police Department is coming back this year on Oct. 9 to Village Green Park.
“This is an opportunity for your kids to come out and meet police officers and first responders in a relaxed and fun environment,” Johnson said. “From 9 a.m. until about 2 p.m. we will have games, bounce houses, demonstrations, static displays and food. It is all free thanks to our sponsors and volunteers. For the first people that show up we have free T-shirts while they last.”
The goal is to make children comfortable with police officers, and know the first responders are there to help if ever children are lost or in need of help.
Johnson also gave huge thank you to all who planned and took part in the 911 Remembrance ceremony held at the American Legion Post 133. Johnson was the speaker for the event, but said that Covid illnesses among his department kept the Honor Guard from being able to conduct the official flag ceremony.
“It was a great event, and I really appreciate the American Legion Post 133 for everything they do for this community,” Johnson said.
