Sheriff'€™s Office looking for burglary suspect

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a recent rash of vehicle burglaries.

The suspect, known only as an adult white male with dark hair, is believed to be responsible for breaking into at least six vehicles in the Mandeville and Covington areas this week, said Capt. George Bonnett, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office.

Bonnett said the suspect operates mostly in the parking lots of businesses and targets parked vehicles. Victims have reported that the stolen property is mostly personal items, including a number of purses, he said.

“The suspect was recently caught on surveillance video entering a store to use one of the stolen credit cards,” Bonnette said. “Detectives believe the suspect is driving a dark colored sedan.”

If anyone has information on the suspect’s identity, they are asked to call the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau at 276-1320.

The Sheriff’s Office offers the following safety tips to deter vehicle burglars / thieves this holiday season:

• Don’t leave valuables in plain view in vehicles.  Packages, purses and other valuables should be stored in the trunk.

• Park in lighted areas of parking lots whenever possible.

ª Have your keys in-hand as you walk to your vehicle.  Don’t search for them standing outside of your vehicle.

• Don’t over burden yourself with packages. Make frequent trips to your vehicle to lighten your load.

If you don’t feel comfortable walking to your car alone, ask store security for an escort.