The Artesia Police Department is encouraging citizens to take measures to protect their property in the wake of a rash of auto burglary, breaking and entering, and stolen vehicle incidents reported since Friday.
The APD has responded to a total of 10 auto burglary, seven breaking and entering, and four stolen vehicle calls since Friday morning in areas throughout the city. The highest volume of such calls came in the early morning hours of Sunday and today, likely as residents discovered crimes committed overnight Saturday and Tuesday.
Four auto burglaries were reported between 6:42 a.m. and 7:32 a.m. today in the 1600 block of Zydeco Place, the 1500 blocks of Briscoe and Bullock avenues, and the 400 block of Missouri Avenue. Two stolen vehicle calls came in at 1:37 a.m. and 4:42 a.m. respectively from Billy Drive and 13th Street and 416 Hermosa Drive, and a breaking and entering was reported at 6:42 a.m. at 1901 Briscoe Ave.
One stolen vehicle was reported Sunday afternoon at Fourth Street and Lolita Avenue, three auto burglaries between 3:03 a.m. and 6:42 a.m. at 803 W. Mann Ave., 2512 W. Richey Ave., and 2406 Cerro Road, and a breaking and entering was also reported at the Mann address at 4:08 a.m.
“Citizens should remember to lock up their cars, roll up your windows, remove all guns, wallets, purses, phones, iPads, other things that people can steal easily, and other valuables from their vehicles,” said APD Cmdr. Lindell Smith. “There are folks in this world that have absolutely no regard for the property of hard-working people.
“Safeguard your property, lock up your car, lock up your garage and your home, close your garage door at night. Look out for one another, too.”
