Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Area Commands

Paulden AZ (November 29, 2012) – In the Rimrock subdivision of Paulden, Arizona, an alert neighborhood watch reported a suspicious vehicle in the area. The vehicle eventually entered private lands and it looked as if the two occupants in the car were casing the neighborhood. The private property owner was alerted to its presence. 

The owner, armed with this information and a vehicle license plate number, contacted the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and YCSO deputies arrived soon afterward to investigate. The vehicle was located and both occupants were questioned. The occupants were detained after claiming they were looking for a place to hike followed by the female lying about her name, however, a deputy on the scene recognized her from prior contacts.

The follow-up investigation resulted in the arrest of both individuals for numerous charges, including trespassing and warrants. YCSO Deputies had been seeking the whereabouts of the female for several months regarding a felony theft case. 

“This is a great example of a neighborhood watch working the way it should,” said Dwight D’Evelyn, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Coordinator. 

D’Evelyn explained why it worked by saying, “The caller reacted to his concern about the suspects presence, and notified the involved property owner who took immediate action. The caller also took time to provide a vehicle description and license plate number. His actions very likely prevented a burglary or other crimes. Well done!”

D’Evelyn asks that all Arizona residents be as vigilant in their neighborhoods as the Rimrock subdivision neighborhood watch.

“Many of you in the neighborhood watch programs have made similar calls in the past, and we continue to encourage staying alert. Pay special attention to those homes in your neighborhood that are unoccupied. Remember to share vacation information with a trusted neighbor.” 

D’Evelyn discussed another Yavapai County series of criminal incidents, this time in Prescott, Arizona. 

Within the past few weeks, YCSO arrested several suspects, mostly juveniles, for thefts from unlocked vehicles and a case of auto theft. The suspects told deputies they enjoyed the act of “car hopping” on a regular basis.

Basically, “car hopping” is simply trolling neighborhoods and other areas checking for unlocked vehicles. More often than not, the Prescott suspects found vehicles unlocked and were enabled to steal all types of valuables. The suspects told YCSO deputies the intent was to “cash in on the loot and buy “Spice” or other synthetic drugs.” Many of the unlocked cars were parked in the driveway of its owner.

D’Evelyn reminds car owners to always lock vehicles and remove valuables from the auto when it’s left unattended and participate in a neighborhood watch program. 

If you are interested in starting a neighborhood watch program, visit the YCSO website for information or contact Dwight D’Evelyn, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Media and Crime Prevention Coordinator at 928-777-7441.

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