PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: LET'S GET AHEAD OF ATV/UTV THEFTS!
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
ATV thefts remain one of the most common property crimes in Evangeline Parish.
With hunting season approaching, the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office is encouraging residents to take precautions to help prevent ATV Thefts. Unfortunately, ATV thefts occur every year, especially during hunting season, not only in Evangeline Parish but throughout Louisiana. As hunters transport ATVs to and from camps and hunting locations, these vehicles are often left in plain view, making them attractive targets for thieves. Removing the keys alone is not enough to prevent theft. Many ATVs can be stolen quickly, even without keys. In past cases investigated by the Sheriff's Office, ATVs secured with chains and other locking devices were still taken by determined thieves.
The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office also reminds the public that operating ATVs illegally on roadways is against the law. Illegal ATV activity on public roadways can make it more difficult for law enforcement to identify stolen vehicles and suspicious activity.
TO PROTECT YOUR ATV, THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE RECOMMENDS:
1. PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR ATV FROM MULTIPLE ANGLES.
2. RECORDING ALL 17 CHARACTERS OF THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN).
3. KEEP RECORDS OF THE YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, AND COLOR, AND ANY UNIQUE IDENTIFYING ITEMS.
4. STORING YOUR ATV IN A SECURE LOCATION WHENEVER POSSIBLE; OUT OF SIGHT.
5. REMAINING ALERT AND REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY PROMPTLY.
*** IF YOUR ATV IS STOLEN, IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE EVANGELINE PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE AT (337) 363-2161. BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE THE ATV'S YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, COLOR, AND VIN TO ASSIST INVESTIGATORS. ***
The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office encourages everyone to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity or illegal ATV operation. Working together, we can help reduce ATV thefts and keep our community safe during hunting season.
EVANGELINE PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE 337-363-2161
Your Sheriff,
Charles R. Guillory
