By Sarah Robinson

The Selma Times-Journal

 

The Selma Police Department is asking local residents to be more mindful of their material items as breaking and entering vehicle incidents spike in the Selma area during the fall.

Chief William Riley, with the Selma Police, said early fall is one of four times of the year when breaking and entering vehicle incidents tends to increase. He said nice weather and the shopping season often leads to more incidents, causing the gift-giving holidays, summer and spring to also see an abnormal high number of occurrences.

“I don’t care if you go the priciest neighborhoods in the country or to the poorest neighborhoods in the country,” Riley said. “It’s happenings, and it happens on a regular basis, because a majority of it is crime of opportunity.”

Riley said some people tend to take advantage of those who leave valuables visible in their vehicle. He said nice weather leads to more people strolling outdoors and among vehicles where the criminal idea might occur.

Riley said the public should follow certain steps to help avoid being victimized. He suggested residents not leave valuable items inside of their vehicle, park their vehicle in front of their home and unload their goods after a shopping trip.

Riley advised residents to watch out for their entire neighbor by reporting any strange behavior.

“If individuals that are thinking about breaking into your car recognize that every time somebody strange shows up in your neighborhood people are going to call and show up, then that sends a signal that tells them, ‘hey, I don’t want to hang out in that particulate area,” Riley said.

To report incidents or more, call 874-6611.