PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark — The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office has new numbers for crimes at the end of 2019.
In terms of property theft, all areas in Pulaski County saw a decrease or stagnated, except one.
"So in the month of November, we saw seven theft reports in the northwest part of our county, which is outside the city limits of Maumelle," said Mitch McCoy with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office. "In the month of December, we saw 20 theft reports."
In just one month, thefts increased more than two-fold in that area. The sheriff's office said that is not uncommon, especially during that time of year.
"While the holidays usually bring out the best in people, in criminals it brings out the worst," said McCoy. "They are looking to target people while they are Christmas shopping, and while they know people will be putting gifts under the Christmas tree."
Keeping your doors locked and serial numbers handy are things the sheriff's office recommends to deter theft, but now, social media can play a role in helping stop thieves.
They recommend apps like Nextdoor and Facebook to help neighbors watch out for each other. McCoy also added that people shouldn't be afraid to report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agency.
Pulaski County deputies will analyze January's crime numbers soon, and that will tell them if the increase is a trend or just a tell of the holiday times.