COLUMBUS — The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying a possible suspect in a series of vehicle burglaries reported last month in a Columbus neighborhood.
Deputies responded to the area of Vann Court on Aug. 22 after receiving reports of multiple auto burglaries.
One victim reported that a Nissan Altima was burglarized sometime between about 3 p.m. Aug. 21 and 7 a.m. Aug. 22. A pair of women’s Timberland boots valued at about $120 was stolen, authorities said.
While deputies were investigating, another victim reported that a Hyundai Accent had also been burglarized in the same area.
A purse containing a driver’s license, Social Security card, credit cards and a bank card was stolen from that vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office.
Both vehicles had been left unlocked.
A neighbor provided investigators with a photograph of a possible suspect captured by a residential security camera. Deputies also collected fingerprints from the scenes, which will be submitted to the Mississippi Crime Laboratory for analysis.
Sheriff Eddie Hawkins asked anyone who recognizes the person in the photograph or has information about the burglaries to contact the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers.
“We are asking the public to help us identify the individual captured in this photograph,” Hawkins said. “Someone may recognize this person, and we encourage anyone with information to contact the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers.”
Hawkins also reminded residents to lock their vehicles and remove valuables whenever possible.
“Working together, the community and law enforcement can help prevent these crimes and hold those responsible accountable,” he said.
