JPD Focuses on Auto Theft Prevention
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: February 19, 2013
JOPLIN, MO-- Local authorities are taking a closer look at what's causing a recent jump in auto theft. Joplin saw an increase of 11 cases last month compared to January of last year. That's prompting the Joplin Police Department to focus on prevention this month, even joining forces with other law enforcement agencies in the area to target the crime. The task force will look at any trends in vehicle theft with the hope of cutting down those numbers across the board.
Joplin Police Chief Lane Roberts said, "We're not alone in this. Not only are other agencies suffering vehicle thefts, but many of those vehicles will come to Joplin. And so it's in everybody's best interest to work cooperatively, pool our resources and get the most out of it."
In January, auto thefts was most often reported, not on the weekends, but on Wednesdays. And the most common time of day - between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M.
