Sheriff issues anti-theft awareness advisory

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office is asking that residents across the parish be vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately, a news release said.

Detectives are currently investigating three areas in Franklin, Patterson, and Bayou Vista where two or more vehicle burglaries have occurred over the last several weeks. They are Fox Lane and Irish Bend Road near Fox Lane in Franklin; Hendricks and Shivers Streets in Patterson; and Teche Road, Lagonda Lane, and Marcel Lane in Bayou Vista.

In the Franklin area, deputies found evidence of forced entry into the vehicles. However, the thefts in the other areas have been crimes of opportunity in which suspects entered through unlocked doors.

Detectives are working multiple leads in the cases to catch the perpetrators. Patrols have also been increased to curb these crimes. Authorities ask that people report any suspicious activity, persons, or vehicles seen in your neighborhood immediately. The sheriff also advises residents to be diligent in locking vehicles and keeping valuables secured and out of sight to help prevent theft.

Make your vehicle a hard target.
• Remove your keys from your vehicle. Never store extra sets of keys in or on the vehicle.
• Always lock your doors and roll up the windows, even if you’ll just be away from your vehicle for a short time.
• Do not keep personal items and valuables such as cell phones, purses, wallets and weapons inside your vehicle. Take these items with you when you secure your vehicle.
Anyone with information on the vehicle burglaries or information on any suspicious activities should contact the Sheriff's Office at 337-828-1960, 985-384-1622.