For the second straight year, Sheriff Greg Champagne is ordering administrative employees and supervisors to the streets to head off holiday crime.
During the third quarter of 2009, crime in the parish increased by 25 percent when compared to the same period in 2008. One of the main reasons for the increase was that more thefts were recorded during that time.
Champagne said an increase in theft and other crimes is a usual occurrence as Christmas approaches.
“Historically, we have found that crime increases during the holiday season,” Champagne said. “Last year, I decided to require all staff and other enforcement deputies in office positions to put in a certain amount of time on patrol in uniform.”
For example, all of Champagne’s administrative staff, training staff, internal affairs officers, assistant wardens, detective supervisors and deputies in office positions will supplement normal patrols during the day and in the evening.
“During the day we focus on neighborhoods, in the evening we focus on high traffic areas such as shopping malls, grocery stores, Wal-Mart and such,” he said. “We found that we were able to have an impact last December and I decided to do it again especially in light of the recent increases in thefts.
“It also gives staff members a chance to hone their street skills and bolsters morale among the troops.”
Even though more officers will be on the streets to help deter those crimes, Champagne said residents need to take extra precautions.
“Isolated incidents of theft and burglary are occurring in several areas of the parish,” he said. “You need to lock your car and remove any valuables from them even when parked in your yard.
“Also, you should lock your doors to your home especially during the day when you are away or at work. Many of the perpetrators of this type of crime may be people who live near you and know you are away.”
Thefts rose by over 100 reported incidents from the third quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009. Champagne said the economy has something to do with that.
“The current economic/unemployment situation and a traditional holiday increase is no doubt responsible,” he said. “We are deploying additional deputies to the streets, but we need the eyes and ears of residents to help us protect you and your property.”
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