Sheriff’s Deputies are focusing on the growing problem of vehicle burglaries throughout Shelby County. Recent crime statistics show thieves are breaking into vehicles in various neighborhoods.

“More and more people are victims of vehicle burglaries. Thieves are looking for purses, cell phones and laptop computers left inside vehicles. We’ll be using some innovative tactics to reduce these vehicle break-ins,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

The “Sheriff’s Park Smart Initiative” involves Deputies in various Sheriff’s Office Bureaus. Reserve Deputies will also be used in the enforcement effort. In some areas, residents will see more marked patrol cars. In other neighborhoods, undercover Deputies will be watching for vehicle burglars.

“We will have officers focusing on parking lots at Shelby Farms, other recreational areas, churches, shopping centers, hotels and residential neighborhoods” added Sheriff Luttrell.

Deputies will also be leaving parking safety reminders for guests at various hotels, sporting events and community gatherings.

Additionally, staff from the Crime Prevention Bureau and Public Affairs Bureaus will visit neighborhood associations, businesses, churches and other community groups to promote the “Sheriff’s Park Smart Initiative.”

Here are some tips to reduce the chances of having a vehicle stolen or burglarized:

1. Lock your vehicle
2. Remove cell phones, laptops and other electronic items from the vehicle
3. Place valuables in the trunk BEFORE leaving home, not in a public place or parking lot
4. Report suspicious persons loitering or cruising parking lots and residential areas

Vehicle burglary statistics and information about the “Sheriff’s Park Smart Initiative” will be routinely sent to the media and posted at the Sheriff’s Office website: www.shelby-sheriff.org