There have been a number of vehicle burglaries and acts of criminal damage occurring in San Tan Valley (release from 4-10-2012 in Johnson Rach found here) and the Copper Mine areas.
In the San Tan Valley area, suspected juveniles are making entry into unlocked vehicles, going through compartments, taking items and damaging property. Since the 4-10-2012 incident, PCSO has responded to several other similar crimes in the are area. I hoping you can help me get into contact with the HOAs in the effected areas so we can send a PCSO Lt or Commander to attend and brief the residents on what's being done. I'm sure deputies are already in contact with them, but this has come down from the top for me to address.
In the meantime, we strongly urge resident sot leave exterior lights on and vehicles locked. The crimes are moving from along busy streets to darker areas where streets lights are not present. Most recently, juveniles are stealing vehicles for no other apparent purpose than to joy-ride and the property is recovered, defaced and damaged in some way.
Per the region Lieutenant, PCSO is stepping up efforts to catch those involved and prosecute to the full extent of the law. This involves placing deputies on the ground on routine foot patrols to identify and catch possible suspects as they have been successful in identifying vehicle traffic to avoid capture. These crime have been happening during the week more than the weekend. If someone sees a juvenile out past the 10 p.m. curfew M-F, we asked they call dispatch at 520-866-5111 and report it immediately. These crimes generally occur during the very early morning hours. It's going to take a community effort to address.
