Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: Aug 07, 2008

Phone: 318/673-6932 Fax: 318/673-6933

Contact: Kacee Hargrave, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free reduces Auto burglaries downtown

Shreveport Police Department's "Free Beer Campaign," designed to make people think about removing valuables and locking up their vehicles, has helped to decrease auto burglaries by 75 percent since May.

Since the campaign was launched in May throughout District 13 -- which comprises downtown -- there have only been nine reports of auto break-ins. That's helped the overall number of District 13 auto burglaries decrease 48 percent this year.

The results are based on crime statistics through July 31. The program has been so successful that the Shreveport Police Department is looking to expand the program citywide. So far this year, there have been roughly 965 thefts from auto reported throughout Shreveport.

The same campaign was launched in the Entertainment District of St. Louis, Missouri, in October 2007 and helped that area experience a drop in auto burglaries by about 40 percent.

"Being a native of St. Louis and learning about the Free Beer Program, I knew it would be something that would work in Shreveport," Chief of Police Henry Whitehorn said. "We are thrilled about the outcome of this program so far."

The Shreveport Police Department partnered with the Shreveport Downtown Development Authority to launch the campaign. DDA is also pleased with the results.

"We are delighted at the dramatic early results of our joint venture with the Shreveport Police Department, said DDA Executive Director Don Shea.”This straightforward project, which focuses on the responsibility of the general public to be aware of their environment, is a positive way to reinforce the message of personal safety and crime reduction.

"As a result, downtown Shreveport has an enhanced perception as a good place to work, shop, dine, and live," Shea said.

The Free Beer Campaign consists of various posters, billboards and other printed materials that are designed to remind citizens to lock up their cars and remove valuables from their vehicles.

One of the featured ads shows a beer bottle with the words "Free Beer...That's what a thief sees when you leave stuff in your car." Other similar ads feature "Free Food," and "Free Smokes."

It is hoped that billboards will start showing up citywide, encouraging citizens to use common sense to help prevent themselves from becoming victims of auto burglaries and to drive down crime citywide.

Information can be left with Crime Stoppers at 673-7373 or by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimestoppersshreveportcaddo.com.

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View all SPD press releases at www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews