The Clarksdale Police Department was busy Wednesday investigating shootings that have galvanized this community, but also handling the daily thefts and auto burglaries that plague much of Clarksdale.
The community reported a vehicle stolen from in front a Clarksdale store in broad daylight and two auto burglaries were reported that evening.
Stolen Vehicle
The Clarksdale Police department has reported a vehicle stolen from the Dollar General on State Street and it was later recovered abandoned and damaged at an apartment complex in Tunica.
The theft occurred about 11 a.m. Wednesday when William Fleming stopped at the store and left his vehicle unlocked and running. When he came back out it was not there.
The case is being investigated by Assistant Police Chief Vince Ramirez as a auto grand larceny.
A person convicted of grand larceny faces the following felony penalties:
- If the property is valued at $1,000 or more but less than $5,000, the offender faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The penalty increases to a ten-year felony sentence if the property is stolen from a place of worship.
- If the property is valued at $5,000 or more but less than $25,000, the offender faces a maximum sentence of ten years' imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.
- If the property is valued at $25,000 or more, the offender faces a 20-year maximum prison sentence and a fine of $10,000.
Auto Burglary
Police responded to a call of an auto burglary Wednesday in the 1000 block of Page Street at 5:03 p.m.
Police reports said Shayanna Gladney was awakened by her camera alarm showing a man going in her vehicle.
Reports indicate David Linzey was developed as a suspect, but Gladney said she was unsure if anything was missing from her vehicle.
The case is being investigated by Chief Ramirez.
Auto Burglary
Police responded to the 500 block of Sunflower Avenue at 8:21 p.m. Wednesday on an apparent auto burglary.
Casey Todd told police that someone had broken into his 2000 Jeep Cherokee and stolen an iPhone.
The case is being investigated by Chief Ramirez.
This is the third auto burglary in downtown Clarksdale in two weeks.
Stop auto burglary
The Clarksdale Police Department is asking you to help deter auto burglaries by following theses tips:
1. LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS! Most of our car burglaries are done on unlocked cars. Locking your car doors is the most effective way to prevent your vehicle from becoming a target for thieves.
2. DO NOT leave items of value in your car. If there is nothing of value in plain view, the thief will move onto the next target.
3. REPORT IT! If you are a victim of car burglary, even if nothing is stolen, please, report it. By reporting the incident, you could help us solve a crime!
If you observe suspicious activity in your neighborhood like a car driving slow and someone walking next to it lifting door handles or looking into car windows, IMMEDIATELY report it by calling 911. Many criminal cases have been solved because citizens have taken the initiative to call 911 to report the in-progress crime. Calling the police can make a difference!
Stop Crime in Clarksdale
Clarksdale Assistant Chief Vince Ramirez has asked anyone with information about these incidents to call the Clarksdale Police Department at 621-8156, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or simply dial 911.
All calls remain anonymous and cash is paid to those providing information that leads to solving a crime.
