Four juveniles were arrested in Harrison County after leaving a trail of burglarized cars on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Thursday.
Harrison County deputies were sent to South Shadow Creek Drive after reports of suspicious people in the area. According to Sheriff Matt Haley, home security camera footage from multiple residences in the neighborhood showed a group of suspects going down streets, pulling door handles, and reportedly entering vehicles.
As deputies searched the area, they stopped a vehicle with four minors inside. A number of stolen items were found inside, including a firearm, which was found to be taken from unlocked vehicles in the neighborhood.
All four juveniles, who remain unidentified because of their age, were charged with possession of stolen property and possession of a handgun by a minor.
Data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau shows a more than 30% increase in car theft and burglary during the holiday season, particularly around Halloween, Black Friday, and Christmas. Because of the recent and expected uptick, HCSO officials remind citizens to lock their car doors and remove valuables from their vehicles.
