‘Tis the season for theft: Natchez police working to recover stolen motorcycle, weapons

Published 2:02 pm Monday, October 23, 2023

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NATCHEZ — Once again, Natchez Police Chief Cal Green cautions the public from leaving valuable items unsecured after a string of unrelated, weekend thefts resulted in the disappearance of a motorcycle and at least two rifles and other valuables.

Between Friday and Saturday, a white-colored Harley Davidson went missing from near the George W. Armstrong Library on South Commerce Street in the 200 block.

According to a post in a neighborhood social media app, the motorcycle was a 1995 Wide Glide with a Mississippi tag.

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The owner told police that whoever had stolen it didn’t need the key to crank it, Green said.

“(The owner) went outside at 8 a.m. (Saturday) and noticed the motorcycle missing. We’ve reported stolen to NCIC and are checking a couple of cameras in the area to see what we can come up with.”

Police have asked anyone with cameras in the block to check their footage between 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday morning to see if they might’ve captured images of the theft.

Green said there had also been an unrelated vehicle burglary during the weekend or early morning hours Monday on Park Place.

The vehicle owner reported two rifles, including a 22 Magnum Braco and a Savage, and his wallet were all stolen.

“He forgot to lock doors,” Green said. “He left his wallet with all of his information in it and the two rifles in an unsecured vehicle. He’d just found it and reported it at 9 a.m. this morning.”

Green cautions from leaving valuables, especially weapons, in vehicles and from leaving packages on the porch for lengthy periods to deter petty porch thefts.

“During this time of year, we seem to get more burglaries of that nature because people are starting to early shop for Christmas and people think they would have more things to steal. … I know people are transporting hunting equipment in vehicles this time of year and I would like to remind people to not leave any weapons or any (valuables) visible in your vehicle, especially firearms.”

For those who do have something stolen, large or small, Green encouraged them to report it to the police.

“Report it because if there is something going on in the area people need to be aware,” she said. “People are going to get packages delivered this time of year. Be cognizant of when your packages are being delivered or have a neighbor pick them up for you to keep them from sitting on your porch for an extended period.”