Tahlequah Police Step Up Patrols After Seeing Spike In Burglaries

A spike in burglaries is forcing the Tahlequah Police Department to step up patrols; officers say burglars are targeting college students.

Kiefer Callison, a freshman at Northeastern State, knows college students like him can be prime targets for burglars.

"Even people that aren't even on campus will come on campus and steal stuff out of your car. So that's another thing to worry about," he said.

Tahlequah police say burglars are breaking into homes and unlocked cars in the north part of town, near campus.

In fact, August's burglary numbers nearly doubled July's.

Captain Steve Young with Tahlequah police said, "The thieves will go for the easiest route, which is the unlocked vehicles, the residences are that - people are on vacation, and things like that."

NSU police have signs posted all over campus, reminding students to lock their car doors and keep valuables with them. Tahlequah police say the same goes for those off campus.

Officers stepped up patrols in north Tahlequah neighborhoods this month. They say it's helping to cut the numbers, but they still encourage neighbors to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior.

College students especially, officers say, should be careful.

"They're leaving their book bags out there, their backpacks and things like that. They forget to lock the door and they'll lose all their books. And it's usually their cell phones and laptops," Young said.

Callison said he doesn't leave anything to chance.

"People will take anything,” he said. “Like, even if you have an iPhone charger in your car, people will assume you have an iPhone, they're going to break in."

If you are burglarized, file a police report, even if nothing valuable is taken. This helps officers determine where they should investigate.