Four separate thefts from boat docks on Lake Norfork were reported over the weekend, according to incident reports made available Tuesday from the Baxter County Sheriff’s Department. Three of the thefts occurred in the Henderson area and one in the Pigeon Creek area at the end of Kingswood Boulevard. The thefts took place between the evening and early morning hours. The estimated value of the items stolen is just over $6,000.According to the reports, suspects in all the cases are unknown.
Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery says although we live in an area with a low crime rate, property crimes continue to occur. He says while a portion of those crimes may be attributed to the unemployment rate or the economy, the argument could be made a percentage of theft crimes may occur due to the reduced punishment for theft offenses. The days of simply being able to leave items of value unsecured are gone.
Montgomery reminds the public the majority of boat thefts are because the owners leave valuables in plain sight instead taking them with them or locking them away.
He says don’t “volunteer to be a victim” and take the appropriate means to secure items of value, whether they are in a boat or an automobile. Thieves are looking for an easy score.
To report suspicious activity call the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office at 870-425-7000 or submit an anonymous tip at https://www.baxtercountysheriff.com/crime-tips .
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