Lock Out Crime: A Rise in Burglaries During Holidays

Oxford police department began its Lockout Crime Campaign on Thanksgiving weekend. Officers conducted 150 extra patrols in car and on foot that weekend in response to anticipated peak in burglaries during the holiday season.
Major Jeff McCutchen said, “We see a slight spike during the months of November, December & January due to the long layoff for the students. It’s just easier to predict their schedules when they leave for winter break.”
The Oxford police has made burglary prevention a priority with continued extra patrols throughout December and January. The house burglaries count is four from November to today but the auto-burglaries went up to 26 with its peak activity during the Egg Bowl game on Nov. 29th. Two arrests were made in Oxford on local Oxonians for house burglaries involving Pierce Street and Lafayette Place. The locations range from Hampton Inn to Rainbow Cleaners to Nottinghill Drive and even the Chancery Court lot and Luckyday Residential College lot.
“It varies.” McCutchen said, “There is not a specific spot that gets hit over and over. It normally depends on the suspects and what areas they like to hang out in. We have seen them all over town or in certain complexes. The highest threats are in housing areas that are almost exclusively college students.”
Lafayatte Place has seen more than one house burglary in the time span between November and December. Some residential areas that are primarily for students have taken steps to remind its residents to lock up before holiday traveling.
James Cazdow, general manager at The Hub off Anchorage Road, said, “We will send out information asking all residents to make sure they securely lock all windows and doors prior to leaving as well as securing any valuables they may have. In addition we, will continue our normal security presence while everyone is away.”
The civilians can participate in the Lock Out Crime Campaign by remembering the advice the OPD has released via a flyer on its social media.

McCutchen said, “We saw a drastic decrease last season when we used this campaign to remind our residents. If the house or car is locked we found data that showed most criminals will move on and not risk it. However when the doors were left unlocked they had a much greater ability to get in and out without being detected.”
Another way civilians can participate in the Lock Out Crime campaign is to report suspicious people and activities to the OPD. Those with information pertaining burglaries or other crimes can call CrimeStoppers at 662-234-TIPS. Names are not needed and the CrimeStoppers pay cash to those with information.
Safe travels, Oxonians!
[dhr]
Callie Daniels is the staff reporter for HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at callie.daniels@hottytoddy.com.