Auto thefts were up from 28 to 35. Thefts, too, increased from 237 to 281. Based on these figures, road deputies have been aggressively patrolling the community. A number of vehicle burglary arrests should impact the crime numbers for the second quarter, causing the rate to fall, Capt. Keep your valuables out of sight, lock your car and house doors, and park in a lighted area.
Domestic violence accounts for many of the parish's assaults.
Domestic violence is certainly one of our biggest problems. To combat the problem, the Sheriff's Department has developed a public education program, and has stepped up efforts to get counseling and assistance for victims. Often, domestic violence is born out of a vicious family cycle that has to be unlearned or we risk seeing it passed on to generations to come. Robberies in St. Charles Parish also increased by two during the first quarter of this year.