Sheriff Leon Lott stated that at 9:10 PM and then 10:15 PM on March 24, 2008 two residents were inside their homes when two suspects entered the homes through unlocked back doors – the suspect’s fled when they realized someone was home.  Sheriff Lott stated that thankfully nothing was taken and no one was injured during these incidents, however citizens should remain vigilant. 

Sheriff Lott would like for all citizens to:

1. Report all suspicious activity, persons and cars to the police immediately.  Nothing is too small to be reported.

2. Do not open your door to anyone you do not know and keep you doors locked.

3. Put your address (numerical #s) on your mailbox or at the street for emergency personnel.

4. Do not leave valuable items in plain view of windows (either in your home or cars).

5. Exterior lights should be on from dusk to dawn. REMOVE motion detectors and put in timers

6. Put lights on alternating timers when you leave home and do not disconnect them when you are home.

7. Cut all bushes and trees back from around windows and doors to avoid hiding spots and shadows.

8. If you arrive home and find an open window or door, or see a suspicious person or vehicle, call 911 from a neighbor’s phone.  Don’t go inside!

9. Do not stop Delivery of your mail and newspaper when you travel.

10. Be alert at all times!!  Be aware of who is watching you. Get to know your neighbors. Get involved in a neighborhood watch.

Sheriff Leon Lott stated that as the department investigates these incidents they are working to determine if there is a link between several burglaries that occurred in the Quail Run Apartments recently. Sheriff Leon Lott stated that although the Quail Run incidents occurred during the daytime hours and no one was home during those robberies; they occurred in close proximity to the incidents that occurred last night. Sheriff Leon Lott stated that a suspect vehicle in the Quail Run burglaries was photographed by video surveillance equipment and identifying the owner of the vehicle and those responsible for the Quail Run robberies may also identify those responsible for the burglaries last night. 

Anyone with information on those responsible for these or any crime is asked to call Crimestoppers at 888-559-tips (8477) or go to www.midlandscrimestoppers.com – Anonymous information can result in the tipster receiving up to $1000 for information leading to the arrest of any criminal or the recovery of stolen goods.

March 25, 2008