MERIDIAN —
Meridian Police Chief Lee Shelbourn and Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie have seen this before.
Each time the economy tanks, burglaries, thefts and larcenies spike. Shelbourn said he has talked in recent days to other police chiefs in other towns and cities in Mississippi to see if they are also experiencing the same occurrences. His conclusion after those inquiries is that everyone in the law enforcement community is in the same boat.
"Burglaries are up everywhere," said Shelbourn. "The bad economy, people losing jobs, it has had an effect on how many cases we've been working."
Shelbourn said detectives are presently working 29 active burglary cases. He said six arrests, mainly juveniles, have been made with more likely to come. Shelbourn said it may be revealed through later investigations that some of these incidents were caused by some of the same suspects already in custody. He said other warrants for the arrest of individuals wanted for questioning have been issued.
Shelbourn also noted there have been 129 burglary calls received by Central Dispatch in Meridian. He pointed out that doesn't necessarily mean all those calls turn out to be actual burglaries.
"Many times the call either turns into something else or nothing at all," Shelbourn said.
As for the county, Sheriff Billy Sollie said larcenies and burglaries are up. He said in comparing data from the same period in 2009, the county is up by 29 burglaries (161), and 22 larcenies (122).
"Each time an economic downturn occurs, we can get ready to work more of these types of incidents," said Sollie. "It is a simple case of people taking advantage of an opportunity."
Sollie said a prime example was the rash of auto burglaries that plagued a county subdivision earlier this summer.
"The majority of these people we've arrested in these cases have a criminal history," Sollie said. "We've said this before but we always urge residents to do everything they can to protect their property."
Local News
Law enforcement officials: Rise in burglaries tied to economy
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Morning update for Wednesday, May 30, 2012
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In memory of those who died
A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian. -
Choctaw Expressions to be showcased
The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30. -
Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday
Residents in the Meridian area will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown or made products throughout the summer and fall through the Earth’s Bounty festival.
The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station. -
WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart
About three weeks before the end of WW I, two young officers with the 320 Machine Gun Battalion crept through the battered moonscape of France on a mission to find new positions for their weapons.
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Man dies of gunshot wound
Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning in which one person died.
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Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising
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Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart
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