Vehicle thefts and break-ins have been on the rise in Hattiesburg since January, according to a statement released by the Hattiesburg Police Department (HPD) on March 18.
The department is urging the community to take steps to prevent these incidents, emphasizing that prevention is key to deterring vehicle-related crimes.
“Everyone can help reduce the risk of vehicle theft by taking the following precautions: lock your car, take your keys, close windows completely, never leave your car running unattended, remove or hide valuables, and park in well-lit areas,” the statement said.
The police also advised residents to be particularly cautious in residential areas, including apartment complexes.
“A while back, there were a few vehicle break-ins at my apartment complex, and it was scary because we pay extra to live in a gated community,” said Nathan Chatelain, a University of Southern Mississippi (USM) senior. “We got a message later from the complex, and we ended up having multiple police cars watching over.”
On March 28, HPD released another statement reporting that officers had responded to 12 auto burglaries in less than 48 hours, 11 of which involved unlocked vehicles.
While locking car doors can help deter theft, some residents remain concerned about break-ins due to visible items inside vehicles.
“I get an email once or twice a month from my apartment complex about keeping valuables out of the car and making sure the doors are locked,” said Hattiesburg resident Sarah Rustling. “It makes me nervous because my car is a fishbowl, and I like to keep my Aldi bags in there. I fear someone may think something valuable is in them and break in because of that.”
According to Mississippi Crime Statistics for Forrest County, more than 40 percent of vehicle thefts occur at residences or homes. Commercial parking lots are also common locations for vehicle-related crimes, with most incidents happening in the evening or at night.
To prevent thefts, HPD recommends always checking for keys and valuables before exiting a vehicle and ensuring the vehicle is secure.
“Auto burglaries are crimes of opportunity – don’t make it easy for them. A few seconds of caution can save your vehicle and your belongings,” HPD stated. “Stay vigilant, secure your vehicle, and if you see anything suspicious, call us at (601) 544-7900 or 911 in an emergency.”
