The Henderson Police Department has been investigating an alarming increase of car thefts.
During its investigation, Henderson Police Department is finding that nearly all the vehicles have been left unlocked with the keys in the vehicle. In some instances, the vehicles were left unattended while running.
Over the past two months, the Henderson Police Department has investigated approximately 31 stolen vehicle cases. In comparison, the Henderson Police Department investigated 10 stolen car cases during
the same period in 2022.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Henderson Police Department has attempted to look for trends, evidence, and suspects to put an end to the thefts. They said they have dedicated additional resources and techniques to tackle this issue head on.
One technique HPD has implemented is a bait car program. A bait car is a vehicle used by law enforcement to capture car prowlers and car thieves. It is equipped with interior cameras, GPS tracking, and the ability
to shut the vehicle down remotely. HPD said they have used this technique several times at different locations throughout the city.
On Friday, December 1st, 2023, a bait car was accessed and stolen from an undisclosed location within the city limits. Officers quickly located the vehicle and apprehended the suspect. From its investigation, the
Henderson Police Department charged the suspect with Theft of Auto, Possession of Marijuana, Fleeing or Evading Police 2nd Degree (On Foot), Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Controlled
Substance First Offense, and No Operators License.
The suspect was a juvenile and police said they have reason to believe they have been involved in other vehicle thefts in Henderson.
On Wednesday, Dec. 13th, 2023, another vehicle was reported stolen within the city limits and the Henderson Police Department was able to GPS track it. The vehicle was located, and two suspects were apprehended.
During its investigation, police discovered the suspects had also stolen another vehicle that had yet to be reported. The suspects were found to be in possession of stolen property, including a firearm, they had
stolen from car prowling unlocked vehicles in the city limits. The suspects were charged with Theft of Auto, Receiving Stolen Property (Firearm), and Theft from Auto $500 < $1,000.
The suspects in this case are juveniles and linked to other stolen vehicles and car prowl cases the police department has been investigating.
Henderson Police Department is working in partnership with the County Attorney’s Office to push for meaningful consequences for people committing these crimes, including juveniles. Though they have been
successful at identifying, locating, and apprehending a majority of these suspects, they are reaching out to the public for their assistance.
If anyone has information that could aid in the investigation or has witnessed any suspicious activities related to stolen vehicles, they are encouraged to contact the Henderson Police Department at 270-831-1295.
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