The Clarksdale Police Department has investigated a number of auto thefts over the past few weeks where someone steals the car, rides around for a while and then abandons it.
But the police report released today said two juveniles have been apprehended after a vehicle was allegedly stolen from the 400 block of Prince Street and later located by authorities.
The two black males juveniles were charged with Grand Larceny.
At this point the youths are being classified as juveniles, but that status may change based on their age and the decision of a Clarksdale Youth Court Judge.
Theft of another person's car is a serious crime and 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 are investigating an auto burglary in the 900 block of Gooden Cove.
In that crime a purse was stolen out of an unlocked vehicle and the contents with the purse are still missing.
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!
Shots Fired
• Bishop Dawson and Madison Ave. - shots fired in the area and Officers located shell casings in the area and Clarksdale Police are investigating this incident.
• Cardinal Lane - shots fired in the area but nothing was found in the area.
Clarksdale Assistant Chief Norman Starks 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.
