Ark City Police want to see you be more careful about leaving your keys and valuables in your car. They say there has been a recent property crime spree in the area south of Madison Avenue from Second to C Streets and south to the city limits. Most of the car thefts came from drivers leaving their keys in the ignition.
Police say they are increasing patrols in Southern Ark City and working to identify potential suspects.
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Residents in the southern portion of Arkansas City have experienced an increased number of car burglaries since the middle of August, according to ACPD Capt. Eric Burr.
Documented car burglaries occurred in an area south of Madison Avenue, stretching from Second Street to C Street and south to the city limits. A total of six burglary reports have been made so far.
In addition, the department also has observed an increased number of stolen cars. A total of four cars have been stolen since Aug. 24, Burr said.
Some commonalities noted in each of the thefts included the geographic area and method. Three of the stolen cars were taken from the same area as the six car burglaries. Additionally, a stolen car from Newkirk, Oklahoma, was recovered in the same area, as well.
Keys left in the ignition or in the car are a contributing factor in three of the four thefts. All of the vehicles since have been recovered.
In response, police patrol presence has been increased in the affected areas. Investigators also are working to identify potential suspects.
During this time, ACPD urges everyone to remove their keys from their vehicles, as well as any valuable items such as wallets, purses, backpacks, electronics, and guns, and lock the vehicle’s doors.
The Arkansas City Police Department utilizes computer software to track crime trends. The public can access the community crime map for Arkansas City at communitycrimemap.com.
“If you notice someone has been in your car, please call the police department at (620) 441-4444 to make a report,” Burr said. “We rely on mapping geographic locations where crime occurs to help place resources where they are sorely needed.”
