Residents urged to take precautions against auto burglaries, theft

Vicksburg residents are strongly advised to ensure the security of their vehicles by locking them and refraining from leaving valuables unattended. Multiple incidents of car theft have been reported over the course of this week.

The Vicksburg Police Department has confirmed a vehicle break-in that occurred on Drummond Street on Wednesday. On Thursday, a 2015 Cadillac was reported stolen from the vicinity of Washington and Clay Streets.

In addition, the Vicksburg Daily News has received reports of other break-ins earlier in the week, specifically on Washington and Chambers Streets.

The Vicksburg Police Department is actively investigating these incidents. Anyone with information is kindly requested to contact the department.

Below are some tips to help mitigate the risk of your vehicle being broken into:

• Lock your vehicle: Always remember to lock your car doors, even if you’re stepping away for a short period. This simple step can deter opportunistic thieves.
• Park in well-lit areas: Choose parking spaces that are well-lit, preferably in populated areas. A well-lit environment makes it less attractive for thieves to target your vehicle.
• Keep valuables out of sight: Avoid leaving valuable items such as electronics, wallets, or bags in plain sight inside your vehicle. Stow them in the trunk or take them with you to reduce the temptation for thieves.
• Use an anti-theft device: Consider installing an anti-theft device, such as a steering wheel lock or an alarm system. These deterrents make it more challenging for thieves to steal your vehicle.
• Be cautious with spare keys: Avoid leaving spare keys inside your vehicle, as this can provide easy access to potential thieves. Keep spare keys in a secure location outside of the vehicle.
• Park strategically: When possible, park in busy and well-monitored areas, such as parking lots with surveillance cameras or near establishments with security personnel. This can discourage thieves from targeting your vehicle.
• Get to know your neighbors: Building a sense of community and knowing your neighbors can help create a network of vigilance. Neighbors can look out for each other’s vehicles and report any suspicious activity.
• Don’t leave personal information in your vehicle: Remove any documents containing personal information, such as registration papers or insurance cards. Identity theft can be an additional consequence of vehicle break-ins.