Sheriff Aaron Mitchell wanted to inform the public of the numerous vehicle burglaries and actual thefts of vehicles over the last several weeks across Sabine Parish and in neighboring parishes.

 

Sheriff Mitchell states that almost all these crimes were committed by juveniles from ages 14-17 and most of the juveniles have been caught and arrested.

 

Sheriff Mitchell wants the public to know that the current juvenile correctional centers designated for Sabine Parish Juveniles are at full capacity. Arrangements are being made at this time to house juveniles at other facilities across the State of Louisiana.

 

Sheriff Mitchell also adds that firearms have been the hot items that have been stolen from vehicles, homes, and businesses. This can be a very dangerous situation when juveniles steal these firearms, and they end up out on the streets.

 

Sheriff Mitchell cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your vehicles secured and locked, regardless of where or how long they are parked, and do not leave valuables inside.
Most of the vehicles were stolen from the cities of Many and Zwolle. The Sheriff’s Office has been working closely with Many Police Chief Cheryl Wooley and Zwolle Police Chief Daniel Thomas in solving these vehicle crimes.

 

Sheriff Mitchell adds that when a juvenile commits a crime in Sabine Parish, the parent/guardian(s) will also be held accountable. Parent/guardian(s) will be cited and possibly arrested for improper supervision of a minor. Sheriff Mitchell states it is imperative that when any parent or guardian notices their child not at home or not accounted for, they call the Sheriff’s Office and report it.

 

Louisiana State Law reads that whoever violates the statute shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than ninety days, or both. A minimum condition of probation shall be that the offender participate in forty hours of court-approved community service activities, or a combination of forty hours of court-approved community service and attendance at a court-approved family counseling program by both a parent or legal custodian and the minor.

SOURCE: SPSO

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