Selma police: Suspect found in Castlewoods case

Published 6:12 pm Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Folks in Castlewoods subdivision need to watch out for one another, authorities say.

Several people in the area have suffered losses because of house burglaries during the last few weeks.

But Selma police Lt. David Evans said the department has a suspect. He declined to identify the person.

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“We do not have enough evidence gathered yet to charge the suspect,” Evans said. “The forensic evidence is being analyzed, and we hope to gain enough evidence to arrest the suspect.”

The burglaries involved losses of guns, money and jewelry, the police spokesman said, adding that extra patrols were assigned in the neighborhood.

Meanwhile, Councilman Cecil Williamson of Ward 1 said he is working with Castlewoods residents to create a neighborhood watch program.

“It is an effective tool against this sort of thing when you have neighbors looking out for neighbors,” he said.

Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest crime prevention programs in the nation. It is sponsored by the National Sheriff’s Association and developed in response to requests from sheriffs and police chiefs who were looking for a crime prevention program that would involved citizens.

The program teaches everyday citizens to organize themselves and work with authorities to watch and listen in their communities, remaining ever-present all the time. Law enforcement officials say it works because it reduces opportunities for crime.