PUBLIC SAFETY REMINDER

Fort Smith, Arkansas sent this bulletin at 12/18/2023 10:36 AM CST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 18, 2023

CONTACT

Aric Mitchell
info@fortsmithpd.org
479-709-5000

PUBLIC SAFETY REMINDER

Fort Smith Police Reminder: Lock Vehicles, Secure Valuables, and Stay #GunSmart This Holiday Season

Fort Smith, AR — Dec. 18, 2023 - In the midst of the holiday shopping season, the Fort Smith Police Department is reminding all citizens to prioritize locking vehicles and securing belongings, especially firearms. Ensuring the safety of your belongings is a collective effort that can help prevent thefts and make our community safer.

During the four-week period from Nov. 12 to Dec. 9, there were 52 reported B&E's in which only three indicated signs of forced entry. There were 35 motor vehicle theft reports filed where none of the vehicles showed signs of forced entry. Seventeen of the 35 Motor Vehicle Thefts involved keys and/or key fobs being left in the vehicle. Additionally, 12 stolen firearms were taken from unlocked vehicles.

With increased holiday activities, criminals try increasingly to seize on easy opportunities. While we work diligently to address and prevent crimes, we believe that everyone plays a vital role in safeguarding their possessions. Here are some simple steps you can take:

Lock Your Vehicles: Always lock your vehicles when leaving unattended, regardless of how briefly. It's a simple but effective deterrent.
Secure Valuables: Keep valuables out of sight or, better yet, take them with you. Don't leave gifts, bags, or any items of value visible in your car.
Park in Well-Lit Areas: Whenever possible, park your vehicle in well-lit and populated areas. Thieves are less likely to strike in well-illuminated spaces.
Be GunSmart: Never leave a gun in plain view or unsecured inside of an unlocked vehicle. Criminals do not see guns as deterrents to criminal activity, especially inside of an unlocked, unattended vehicle. Stolen firearms in our city CAN and HAVE been used to commit other crimes, including homicides.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice anything unusual or witness suspicious behavior around parked vehicles, please report it immediately to our Department at 479-709-5100 or 911 for emergencies.

Our goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for everyone in Fort Smith. By taking these precautions, we can all make sure that happens.

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