Roslyn Anderson - bio | email
JACKSON, MS (WLBT) – In the past few weeks police have investigated car break ins at a Jackson park.
While walkers, runners and others were exercising, thieves were shattering glass and taking what they wanted from the vehicles.
It's been nearly two weeks since Willene Johnson's car was broken into while she was exercising at Parham Bridges Park.
"I was devastated after seeing what happened," Johnson said.
She said it was around 4:30 in the afternoon and lots of people were playing tennis and walking.
"I took one lap around the track, took me about 20 minutes and I got back and all had happened, the window on the passenger side was broken," said the crime victim.
The thieves took her purse with cash and credit cards, a laptop and other valuables from her Infinity.
She's driving a rental while the damage is being repaired.
The Jackson resident thinks about the frightening experience each time she walks to her rental car.
Johnson said she saw glass on the ground that February 25th from other car break ins as she began her walk.
"That didn't alarm you?" Johnson was asked.
"Yes it did, but I should have really listened to my first mind," Johnson answered.
The cosmetology instructor and salon owner was parked in the lot near the tennis courts on Canton Mart Road.
According to the City of Jackson web site, Precinct Four police investigated 17 auto burglaries in the area the week of Johnson's break in.
140 have been reported so far this year in the precinct.
Broken glass still littered the ground in 3 parking spaces, a reminder to those who come to this park of the potential danger.
"I will probably leave my things at the house now if I come," said Angela Dilworth, who parked near the broken glass Wednesday afternoon as she prepared for her walk.
Dilworth comes to the park about once a week and was not aware of the crimes.
"It draws some concerns because sometimes I will come out here with my son, so that's a big concern," Dilworth said.
Some walkers said they no longer see officers on horseback patrolling the park, so they must be more mindful of their surroundings.
"I'll still go out there, but I'll be more cautious," Johnson said. "I won't be putting anything in my car that's for sure."
No word on any arrests.
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