Montgomery County, TN – Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson and several of his staff came together Thursday night to inform citizens gathered at Olivet Free Will Baptist Church. Reverend Chris Camp began the meeting by thanking the Sheriff and the MCSO for all they do.
“Anytime I go to something (the Sheriff) is always there,” Camp said, adding that he and his staff go “above and beyond” for the community.
“You can come and learn from us, and we can learn from you about the things that have been going on in your community,” Fuson said.
Inv. Sgt. Steve Heise spoke to the crowd about a spike in aggravated burglaries that have occurred in the area, and said that because a citizen called in something abnormal they noticed, the suspects were arrested which closed out 17 burglaries in that area.
He also said he’s proud of the fact that the MCSO has a case solve rate for their crimes, is well above the national average.
Investigator Mark Lankford, who is assigned to investigate crimes that occur in this area of the county, was introduced to the attendees and gave tips on how to protect themselves from burglaries.
“Use your smart phones, take photos of your electronic items and their serial numbers,” Lankford said. “It will be easier for us to find stolen items if we have information on them.”
Lt. Brian Prentice warned everyone about telephone scams, some purporting to be Sheriff’s Office officials, and wanting the victim to put money on a prepaid card to pay “fines.”
“We will never ask you for money,” Prentice said. “And if someone calls saying you won the lottery, but need to pay them first, it’s a scam. Anytime anyone asks for money in that way, it’s a scam.” These tips can and will prevent you from falling victim.
Citizens also had the chance to ask questions to the Sheriff before the community meeting ended, and personally address concerns with a member of the MCSO.
Tips:
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office staff provided a few tips for citizens at the meeting to protect themselves from burglary:
- Always lock your doors, both on your vehicle and your home. And make sure your garage is closed when you aren’t around or asleep.
- Don’t leave valuable items in your car, and hide phone chargers. Some burglars may see a phone cord and assume an expensive phone is inside.
- Don’t leave valuables, such as jewelry, in plain sight. Lock them in a safe place.
- Don’t leave firearms in the glove compartment or your car or out in the open in your home.
- Take photos of all your valuables, record serial numbers and descriptions and keep those photos in a safe place, and a copy in another safe place. This is helpful not only if something is stolen, but also if your home catches on fire.
- If you see anything suspicious, do not hesitate to call the MCSO or 911. What you may think is no big deal can and has led to thwarting criminal activity.
Next Community Meeting
When: 10:00am, Saturday, March 21st
Where: Living Hope Baptist Church, 255 Little Hope Church Road, Clarksville, TN
