Spike in Vehicle Break-Ins Raises Concerns Near Tara Boulevard
Residents of Jonesboro, Georgia are being urged to stay alert after a rise in vehicle break-ins across several neighborhoods. According to the Jonesboro Police Department (JPD), at least 18 incidents have been reported since early May — primarily along Tara Boulevard, Main Street, and residential areas near the Civic Center.
Police say most break-ins occurred late at night and targeted unlocked vehicles with valuables left in plain sight.
“We’re seeing a troubling pattern of access-based thefts. No smashing windows — they’re simply trying door handles,” said Sgt. Valerie Hunt of the JPD.
Timeline of Activity
The following breakdown was provided by Jonesboro police:
- May 3–5: 6 vehicles entered near Tara Boulevard apartment complexes
- May 8: 2 vehicles searched behind Jonesboro Civic Center
- May 12–17: 5 vehicles hit in the Morrow Lake Estates subdivision
- May 21: Daytime incident reported near Jonesboro Elementary School
- Total Incidents: 18 confirmed (possibly more unreported)
Police believe the suspects may be working alone or in pairs, targeting areas without visible security or lighting.
Jonesboro PD Increases Night Patrols
In response to the spike, JPD has increased patrol frequency between 10 PM and 5 AM and is encouraging residents to report all suspicious activity, even if no theft occurred.
“Every report helps build the pattern,” Sgt. Hunt said. “We’re asking residents to act as our eyes when we’re not there.”
Officers are also reviewing Ring camera footage, apartment CCTV, and home security feeds provided voluntarily by residents.
Community Watch Groups See Renewed Interes
Local Neighborhood Watch groups in the South Main, Willow Creek, and Tara Gardens areas have reported increased inquiries from residents.
“We’ve had three break-ins on our street alone,” said Tara East Apartments resident Tina Hayes. “That’s when our group started texting real-time alerts again — like we did during the 2020 spike.”
Some residents are turning to Nextdoor, Facebook community pages, and security apps to monitor activity and share alerts. Police have encouraged the use of these platforms while reminding users to report officially.
How to Protect Your Vehicle
JPD has shared the following tips for residents to reduce risk:
- Always lock your vehicle — even in driveways and parking decks
- Remove or conceal visible items like bags, chargers, wallets
- Avoid leaving firearms or electronics inside vehicles overnight
- Park under streetlights or install motion-activated lighting
- Report incidents to JPD’s non-emergency line: (770) 478-7407
For emergencies, always dial 911
Seen Something? Help Us Track It
We’re tracking crime trends across Clayton County, but we can’t do it without community help.
If you’ve experienced a break-in, have security footage, or want to report suspicious behavior — email us confidentially at: [email protected]
Your identity will be protected. All leads will be reviewed and, when appropriate, shared with law enforcement.
