Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Holiday Safety Tips Given

While it's the season for holiday cheer and good will, it's also one of the biggest seasons for crime.

Jim Westmoreland, criminal investigator for the Prescott Police Department and Nevada County Sheriff's Office, reminds residents to be aware of the possibility of robberies and burglaries this year.

He said the Christmas season is also the biggest season for residential and commercial burglaries. This is because the criminals know more goods are being stocked by merchants and purchased by people.

The criminals, Westmoreland said, also know people are spending money on gifts and spending time away from their homes visiting friends and relatives.

"You need to make your home as burglarproof as possible," he said. Deadbolt locks are recommended for doors leading outside.

Windows should not only be locked, but have some type of obstacle placed at an angle so the window can't be raised even if the lock is defeated.

Additionally, he said, sliding glass doors need to have their tracks blocked so the doors can't be opened. This means a potential burglar would have to break the glass, making a great deal of noise which could alert neighbors.

Timers were suggested for lights. By using timers, lights can be programmed to turn off and on in different rooms, thereby giving the look someone is home, Westmoreland said.

When out shopping car doors should be kept locked and all valuables placed in the trunk, out of sight of possible thieves.

Women, he said, need to be mindful while carrying their purses. The purses should be carried close to the body, upside down and open. Then, if taken, the contents will spill out and the thief gets nothing for their effort.

Suspicious people and vehicles seen in neighborhoods or parking lots of shopping areas need to be reported to the PPD and NCSO, he said.

BURGLARY SOLVED

A cooperative effort between the NCSO, Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division, Columbia County Sheriff's Office and Union County Sheriff's Office, has led to the arrest of four people in a multi-county burglary ring.

Westmoreland said a Nevada County burglary committed Sept. 11, where the home of Jeffery Brown was broken into and robbed, has been solve. Curtis L. Carroll, 28, of El Dorado has been arrested and is being held pending charges.

The law enforcement agencies, working together, developed a common thread on the multi-count burglary ring. This thread led to Carroll's arrest.

Along with Carroll being arrested, Reginald R. Bradley, 24, of Magnolia, is also expected to be charged with residential burglary and theft of property.

Carroll has been charged with these class B felonies. Each charge carries a fine of up to $15,000 and a sentence of five to 20 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction.

Two other suspects are expected to be charged in other counties.

HOME BURGLED

A home on West Main was discovered burglarized Wednesday, Nov. 26.

At the time, the homeowner had was gone. Entry was gained through a side door.

A 27-inch color television, microwave oven, toaster oven, cordless telephone, .22 caliber pistol and .22 caliber rifle were taken, along with other household goods, such as towels and washcloths.

Anyone with information in this case can call the NCSO at 887-2616.