To The Leader

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office received numerous calls on Thursday reporting car burglaries that occurred over night and into the early morning hours.

Six reports were taken in the Orangefield area, specifically around Bobcat Trails and in the Paul Wood addition. One caller reported one of their vehicles burglarized and the other vehicle was stolen.

12 more vehicles were burglarized in Vidor, in the Wexford Park area. A newer Chevrolet truck was stolen from the Wexford Park area and recovered in Port Arthur several hours after it was reported missing.

Orange County detectives have information regarding two male subjects who were arrested on unrelated charges in the area where the vehicle was recovered. Detectives are trying to determine if there is a connection between the two subjects and the stolen vehicle.

Detectives have been assisting in taking reports, following developing leads, and processing evidence throughout the day in an effort to find the person or persons responsible for these crimes.

Orange County Detectives also met with the Orange Police Department in reference to the 40 car burglaries that were reported to their agency in the month of January. The detectives are sharing information regarding possible suspects and identifying common methods the suspects are using to commit these crimes.

The unfortunate similarity between all of these crimes is that most all of the vehicles that were burglarized were unlocked. It is further believed that the vehicles that were stolen were left unlocked with the keys inside.

One homeowner called with video footage of suspects walking methodically down their street, checking each vehicle’s door handles for an open door.

We urge all citizens to lock their vehicles when they are not occupied to prevent property from being stolen. Keep your valuables out of the vehicles and keep your yards well lit.