Brownwood Police are investigating reports of more vehicle burglaries and criminal mischief cases that were reported over the weekend.
Late Thursday night through early Sunday morning, Brownwood Police reported several such incidences on Berkley and Belmeade Streets in Brownwood. Items such as knives, coins and even foreign currency were reported stolen out of unlocked cars Brownwood police reports state. An above the ground pool and a Jeep were vandalized, causing damage to the liner of the pool and destroying the vinyl windows of the Jeep, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage.
Last week, local law enforcement agencies banded together to warn the public of recent criminal mischief and burglaries that have been occurring in the county. Bangs police reported 16 criminal mischief cases and 18 vehicular burglaries on Friday morning alone. Other areas such as Zephyr and other outlying areas of the county have also been hit. It was reported that the common trend seems to be burglaries occurring in vehicles that are left unlocked. Although authorities do not believe it is an overall organized effort, it has been an increasing problem in the county.
Law enforcement officials state that some residents believe it may be better to leave doors unlocked because the criminals might break windows to gain access, but officials recommend keeping windows rolled up and doors locked on cars and homes. Officers around the county noted that the recent crimes are crimes of “convenience.” The perpetrators want to get access, grab valuables and get away, not being detected.
Police recommended that victims call the police immediately and report suspicious activities. Officers also recommend that witnesses not try to scare off perpetrators by yelling, as they disappear before the police can respond to calls. If you see something suspicious, do not hesitate, call police with the information as soon as possible.
In other separate incidents:
*Friday morning at 3:24am police responded to an accident involving a car striking a house in the 2400 block of Avenue M. According to Brownwood Police reports, the driver and one passenger were present at the scene; however, another passenger had fled on foot. After a short search, officers found 19-year-old Jimmy Hallum hiding in the bushes. According to the report, Hallum fled again on foot, jumping a fence, then returned a short while later to the scene of the accident, which after investigating, police learned was Hallum’s own residence. The report states Hallum admitted that he was currently awaiting trial for another incident and knew he would get into more trouble when he was asked why he had run from police. Hallum was arrested and charged for Evading Arrest/Detention.
*Brownwood police reports state that on Friday, an employee of the Pecan Station on C.C. Woodson reported two motors, which had a combined estimated value of $4000, as being stolen sometime between April 31 and May 5. The employee and police followed a trail of trampled grass and ruts which were most likely caused by a dolly according to the report. Investigation led police to Brownwood Iron and Metal where two motors had recently been traded in for $54.60. The investigation is ongoing and no arrests had been made as of the time of the report.
*Sunday afternoon around 4:30 pm, Police responded to the intersection of 13th Street and Avenue E in reference to a fight between two females. After breaking up the fight, officers learned that the two were fighting over a romantic love interest the report stated.
*Sunday evening, around 6pm, officers were called to the 2100 block of 8th Street in reference to tires on a vehicle being “slashed.” The report stated they drove away from this location and noticed another car with flat tires in the 2000 block of 8th as well. This car’s tires had also been “slashed” according to the reports.
*Two juveniles were spotted Sunday at 5:30 pm at Festival Park throwing rocks at security lights and pushing over trash cans according to Brownwood Police reports. The bulbs in both the women’s and mens’ bathrooms at the pavilion were also broken. The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made as the report states.
