Ormond vehicles struck again

Someone witnessed a teen in the act, says sheriff

By M. Susanne Hinkle

April 12, 2006 at 10:24 am  | Mobile Reader | Print 

In the early morning hours of March 31 and April 3, thieves went on a crime spree, opening 14 vehicles, resulting in several stolen items on Bocage, Villere and Melrose Drives, according to Sheriff Greg Champagne.

According to police reports, only one vehicle showed signs of forced entry. "Most of the vehicles were left unlocked in driveways," said Sheriff Champagne.
"My husband got up for work at 6 a.m. and went to get in his truck. It was then that he found the glove compartment open as well as the center console. All the papers were removed from the glove compartment taken out of the envelopes and scattered across the seats, said a victim in Ormond who asked to be unnamed.

Unlike previous cases of vehicle vandalism in the area, this time there was a witness. "A resident awoke early in the morning and witnessed a young man approximately 16 to 18 years of age, 6' tall wearing a backwards cap, attempting to enter a vehicle on Melrose Drive," said Sheriff Champagne.

"Automobiles are venerable to theft when left unlocked. In the past, it was fairly safe to leave your vehicle unlocked in the driveway. But after Katrina, the parish has seen an influx of new residents and workers causing the instances of theft to rise," the said the sheriff.

"These offenses will continue until the subjects are caught. I encourage residents to stay vigilant and report anyone that may seem suspicious to Crimestoppers at 1-877-903-STOP or call 911 immediately. If an individual is walking the area late at night, call the Sheriff's Office. We will determine whether the individual is just walking or up to no good," said Sheriff Champagne. Any persons with information leading to an arrest could be eligible for a cash reward up to $2,500.