Thefts, burglaries spike in Jackson this week

Jackson police are urging residents to be especially vigilant after an unusual string of thefts and burglaries.

Eight thefts and three attempted burglaries have been reported in Jackson since Monday.

Five of the thefts occurred in close proximity to one another Wednesday night, in the residential area near North Farmington Road between Higway 34 and West Independence Street.

Captain Rodney Barnes of the Jackson Police Department said the thefts all were from unlocked cars.

Although nobody has been arrested in connection with the thefts so far, the police believe they were perpetrated by the same person or people, Barnes said.

"Obviously, if you have the same incident in the same neighborhood on the same night, they're going to be connected," he said.

"It was people going around, trying car doors, and if they were unlocked, going through people's cars."

The attempted burglaries occurred further northeast, in the 500 block of North Hope Street, the 400 block of North Shawnee Boulevard and the 700 block of North Hope Street on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

No suspects are in custody in those cases, either.

Barnes said residents, regardless of location, should exercise caution.

"Wherever you are, don't keep valuables in your car," he said.

"If you're going to have valuables in your car, at least lock your doors. But you should take them out; they'll be a lot safer."

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3627

Pertinent address:

Jackson, Mo.