Helena-West Helena residents are reminded to find out who is knocking at their door before opening the door.
“Unless you know who the person is it is a good idea to find out who’s outside before opening your door to just anyone,” said Col. Fred Fielder of the Helena-West Helena Police Department.
Fielder’s warning comes after a Helena-West Helena police officer recently had some of his uniforms and vests stolen during a break-in and fire at his home.
If the person knocking at your door tells you they are from the police department make sure they show not only their badge, but their driver’s license as well. The citizen also should call the police department to verify that a police officer is who they say they are.
Police officers have been reminded to be respectful and comply with the citizens’ request and be mindful that the citizen is only requesting proper identification process so as to ensure their own safety.
Local citizens are also asked to keep their eyes and ears open to any leads, which may lead to the recovery of the stolen police uniforms.
Anyone who has any information, which might help police find the stolen uniforms, is asked to call the Helena-West Helena Police Department at 572-3441. Any information given to police will be kept strictly confidential.
“We don’t want to have any incidents such as the ‘Blue Light rapist, that infiltrated several counties back a couple of years ago,” said Fielder. “Neither do we want to have incidents of strong-arm robberies such as the one that occurred at the home of a West Helena couple at the end of June.
“Don’t be bashful about asking an officer of anyone for that matter for proper identification-such as a driver’s license,” concluded Fielder.