By, ELIZABETH WEST
Associate Editor
On Monday, Evangeline Parish Sheriff Eddie Soileau released a statement regarding the rise in vehicle thefts that are typically experienced in neighborhoods during the Spring and Summer months.
According to the release, “During these thefts, the perpetrator(s) typically target unlocked vehicles where valuables are visible form the outside and/or easily located in the vehicle.”
The sheriff’s release went on to say that “these individuals generally rely on their ability to access a large number of vehicles while circulating through the neighborhood and therefore rarely force entry for fear of making noise and risking detection.”
These thefts “typically occur during the overnight hours and are not reported until the next morning when the owner recognizes property missing or out of place.”
According to the release, the items most commonly taken from vehicles are: Cash (coins), firearms, cigarettes, prescription medications, global positioning systems (GPS), cellular phones, tablets and laptops.
In an effort to combat the theft, the sheriff encourages residents to employ some basic preventative measures including: lock your vehicles, remove valuables from view, don’t leave any prescription medications or firearms in your vehicle, park vehicles in the garage or driveway, leave exterior lights on, report any suspicious behavior to the EPSO by calling (337) 363-2161, and report any incident where you believe someone has entered your vehicle without permission.