Crime tends to go up in the summer and the Clarksdale Police Department is urging city residents to watch out for suspicious people, vehicles and sounds in their neighborhoods and around local businesses.
People who see a car slowly driving around a neighborhood are asked to call police. People in yards or alleys who are not supposed to be there should also be reported.
Nighttime noises such as glass breaking, wood breaking or sounds of movement in abandoned or vacant houses should be reported immediately.
People entering businesses at night are asked to be aware of their surroundings, take note of cars and people in the parking lot and report suspicious people or vehicles to police.
Residential Burglary
On Wednesday, June 8, officers responded to a burglary in the 1400 block of Herrin Street.
Police reports said the complainant stated to officers some unknown person or persons broke into the residence and stole televisions, game console, jewelry and shoes.
The community is reminded that burglary is a serious crime.
Anyone convicted of breaking and entering a home or inner door of a dwelling whether armed with a deadly weapon or not, and even if at the time the dwelling house is not occupied, with intent to commit a crime, shall be placed in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for not less than three years nor more than 25 years.
The crime is enhanced if they person has a previous burglary conviction.
Motor Vehicle Theft
Also on Wednesday, June 8 officers responded to the 1000 block of South State Street and spoke with the complainant.
Police reports said the victim stated while he was inside of the business someone stole his vehicle.
Police reports did not indicate if the vehicle was running at the time or if the keys had been left in the vehicle. A description of the vehicle was also not given.
Several automobiles have been stolen in Clarksdale over the past few months and one of the ways to stop your car from being stolen is for police to catch the crooks.
Anyone with information about this theft is asked to contact the Clarksdale Police Department at Clarksdale Police Department at 621-8156, or simply dial 911.
A person convicted of auto 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.
