LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18)– Police arrested a man in connection to a car burglary at Shillito Park.
45-year-old Charles Michael Smith Jr. is charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking from Auto-(Felony), Criminal Mischief 1st degree, and Possession of Burglar’s Tools.
Officers were dispatched to Shillito Park around 8:17 p.m. Tuesday to assist an off duty officer who had been notified that vehicles in the park had their windows broken out and items stolen from them.
Police say the off-duty officer was able to detain Smith after suspecting him of him stealing items from vehicles in the park. After an investigation was conducted, Smith was arrested and lodged in the Fayette County Detention Center.
Police are reminding citizens to lock their car doors and not leave valuables in plain view.
"Leaving items in vehicles makes it an easy target for thieves to break into vehicles. Citizens should lock valuable items in their trunk or glove box prior to reaching their destination. If the vehicle doesn’t have a trunk, citizens should take their valuables with them."
Anonymous tips, including photos and videos, can be submitted by texting LEXPD plus the tip to CRIMES (274637). Information can also be sent anonymously through Bluegrass Crime Stoppers at (859) 253-2020 or www.bluegrasscrimestoppers.com.
