Police say they've seen a rise in burglaries, and they're asking the public to be careful.
Late last month, Dustin Swenson was arrested for burglarizing Beau's Tuxedo's, Beau's Bridal, and Narcotics Anonymous.
He was caught after a burglary in progress was reported at Bercher Tire in Fort Smith.
He allegedly attacked store owner Kim Bercher, causing a skull fracture.
It was after his arrest that he confessed to stealing nearly $4000 in cash and jewelry from the bridal store.
Swenson remains in jail, but police are also warning citizens about another crime.
Police say there has been a recent rash of car break-ins, particularly on the south side of town.
Sergeant Grubbs with the Fort Smith Police Department says usually when they make one arrest for car break-ins, they solve many of the crimes.
And criminals like this type of crime simply because it's so easy. "We've seen a pretty dramatic increase in breaking into cars. Typically it seems like a crime of opportunity. Whoever the person is, it's not forced entry. They're just walking around flipping handles to see if they're unlocked. We're getting a lot of purses and wallets getting left in an unlocked vehicle," said Gibbs. Sergeant Grubbs says they do have a few groups they are looking at who they think are responsible for these crimes, but in the meantime people should keep their doors locked and their valuables safe.
Late last month, Dustin Swenson was arrested for burglarizing Beau's Tuxedo's, Beau's Bridal, and Narcotics Anonymous.
He was caught after a burglary in progress was reported at Bercher Tire in Fort Smith.
He allegedly attacked store owner Kim Bercher, causing a skull fracture.
It was after his arrest that he confessed to stealing nearly $4000 in cash and jewelry from the bridal store.
Swenson remains in jail, but police are also warning citizens about another crime.
Police say there has been a recent rash of car break-ins, particularly on the south side of town.
Sergeant Grubbs with the Fort Smith Police Department says usually when they make one arrest for car break-ins, they solve many of the crimes.
And criminals like this type of crime simply because it's so easy. "We've seen a pretty dramatic increase in breaking into cars. Typically it seems like a crime of opportunity. Whoever the person is, it's not forced entry. They're just walking around flipping handles to see if they're unlocked. We're getting a lot of purses and wallets getting left in an unlocked vehicle," said Gibbs. Sergeant Grubbs says they do have a few groups they are looking at who they think are responsible for these crimes, but in the meantime people should keep their doors locked and their valuables safe.
