Crime went up slightly in Alpena County, up nearly 11% in Presque Isle County, and fell significantly in Alcona County from 2017 to 2018, according to the most recent statistics released by the Michigan State Police.

Data from the Montmorency County Sheriff’s Department wasn’t available for 2018, so a year-over-year comparision for that county couldn’t be had.

The increased numbers in Alpena and Presque Isle counties are concerning, and we wish our men and women behind the badge well in their efforts to reverse that trend.

But, as reporter Julie Riddle pointed out in a story last week, there are some things we must do, too.

“Lock your homes, lock your cars,” 1st Lt. John Grimshaw, commander of the MSP-Alpena Post, urges us. “I don’t know why you’re going to let it be easy for someone to come and steal your stuff.”

Indeed, the statistics Riddle reported show larceny is by far the number-one crime in our area, making up some 70% of felony cases reported by the MSP. And, according to Grimshaw and others, many of those thefts are from homes and vehicles with unlocked doors.

Now, we live in a safe community — the violent crime rate here is 244 per 100,000 residents, compared to 394 statewide — but there’s no point making it easy for thieves.

Help yourselves and help the police by locking your doors.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)