JULY 2, 2009 ISSUE
Vehicle Breaking and Entering Up 110 Percent in Town of Boone
Residential, Business Breaking and Entering Also Up
Boone Police Chief Bill Post and Boone Police staff installed a sign on the corner of West King Street and Cherry Street to remind motorists to lock their doors when visiting downtown Boone. The installation of the sign is in response to a recent surge in business, vehicle and residential breaking and entering claims. Photo by Sam CalhounMotor vehicle breaking and entering has increased 110 percent compared to this time last year, according to statistics provided by Boone Police Chief Bill Post. From January to May 2009, 82 motor vehicle breaking and entering claims were reported in the Town of Boone, compared to 39 motor vehicle breaking and entering claims filed between January and May 2008, Post said.
“We’ve seen a spike in auto [breaking and enterings] this year, as well as residential and business [breaking and enterings],” said Post.
According to Post, residential breaking and entering claims have increased from 12 between January to May 2008 to 22 between January and May 2009. Business breaking and entering claims, Post said, increased from 8 during that period in 2008 to 11 during the same time period in 2009. Although exact figures are not available as of press time, Post said there were probably 12 to 14 business breaking and entering claims filed during June 2009.
Post said 90 percent of the vehicle breaking and entering claims filed this year involved cars that did not have locked doors. Post also added that a majority of the residential breaking and entering claims filed this year involved apartments that did not have locked doors.
In an effort to combat the recent wave of criminal activity, Post and Boone Police staff installed a sign on the corner of West King Street and Cherry Street in downtown Boone that reads: “Alert: Remove All Valuables & Change, Lock Your Vehicle.” The sign, Post hopes, will make motorists more aware and place importance on locking doors while cars are parked.
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