Sheriff Urges Residents to Protect Their Property

With warmer weather has come an increase in thefts in rural parts of the parish. Sheriff Steve Prator says most of these seem to be crimes of opportunity -- with the thieves taking things like lawn mowers left in plain view or items from unlocked vehicles. The sheriff says says you can reduce the chance of theft by keeping your property locked up. He also suggests you trim back trees and shrubs around windows and doors of your home; videotape the contents of your home, storage shed, and garage; and engrave all valuables, including tools, lawn equipment, and air conditioners with your driver's license number -- not your Social Security number.