The Pine Bluff Police Department is investigating recent reports of individuals entering neighborhoods during late-night and early-morning hours, checking vehicle door handles and entering unlocked vehicles. Information gathered during the investigations indicates some of those involved may be young males, possibly juveniles.
Officers are actively investigating the incidents and increasing patrols in affected areas. Residents are also encouraged to take precautions to protect their vehicles and property.
Vehicle owners should make sure doors are locked every time they park and avoid leaving firearms, purses, wallets, cash, electronics or other valuables inside unattended vehicles. Residents with keyless-entry vehicles should keep key fobs in a secure location and may consider using a signal-blocking pouch.
Exterior lighting and home security cameras can also help deter criminal activity and provide investigators with useful evidence. Residents in affected neighborhoods are encouraged to review overnight security footage and preserve video showing suspicious individuals or vehicles.
Garage doors should remain closed, and spare keys should not be stored inside or underneath vehicles.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to know where their children are, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours. Entering private property, opening vehicle doors or removing property without permission can result in criminal charges and can create potentially dangerous situations.
Residents who observe individuals checking vehicle doors, trespassing or engaging in other suspicious activity should not confront them. If the activity is occurring at that time, residents should call 911 and provide dispatchers with as much information as possible.
Anyone discovering an incident after it occurred should preserve available surveillance footage and contact the Pine Bluff Police Department.
The department is reminding residents of three simple steps to help protect their neighborhoods:
LOCK IT. LIGHT IT. REPORT IT.
