Early Chief of Police David Mercer reported that on Tuesday, December 7th Officer John Mills received information that a stolen vehicle was at a residence on Eastover Drive in Early. Officer Mills and Deputy Wes Copeland went to the mobile home and located a red Toyota Tacoma. According to the report, the license plate was checked and confirmed to be a stolen vehicle from Montgomery County Texas. Officer Mills and Deputy Copeland made contact with 46-year-old Michael Wayne Johnson and developed information that Johnson had stolen the vehicle from Montgomery County the report states. Officer Mills arrested Johnson for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and a blue warrant for a parole violation from the Texas Department of Pardons and Paroles.
In a separate incidents, Early Police Department officers investigated a burglary of a motor vehicle in the Heartland Mall parking lot and an incident of criminal trespass of a habitation where someone entered a residence through a back door using a key hidden outside. According to the report Christmas presents were gone through but nothing was taken from the residence. A cell phone and stereo amplifier were taken from the vehicle the report states.
Mercer stated that both crimes appeared to be crimes of opportunity, with an unlocked vehicle and a key outside that someone apparently saw the homeowner use at one time. The Early Police Department wants to encourage everyone to take action against thieves and deter crime before it happens.
Here are some tips to keep yourself, your car, home and belongings safe.
If you’re traveling:
- Get an automatic timer for your lights.
- Ask a neighbor to watch your home.
- Don’t forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped.
If you’re out for the evening:
- Turn on lights and a radio so it appears someone is home.
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows.
- Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from outside.
If you’re shopping:
- Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.
- Park in a well-lit space, and be sure to lock your car, close all windows and hide shopping bags or other valuables in the trunk.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don’t have your arms too full. Carry a purse close to your body. Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.
If you’re Driving:
- Drive defensively. Traffic is heavier during the holidays. Drivers may also have indulged in too much holiday spirits.
- Don’t Text and Drive
For more tips on-line from the National Crime Prevention Council, click here.
Early Police Department wishes everyone to have a safe & Happy Holiday and a Merry Christmas.