Crime Up 9 Percent in Louisiana City

Crime is up by 9 percent within the Louisiana city of Lafayette this year.

Police Chief Jim Craft tells The Advertiser the hike isn’t due to violent crimes, such as assaults or homicides.

Craft says what’s driving the crime rate up is shoplifting and car burglaries.

Since the beginning of the year, Cpl. Paul Mouton says the department has received 1,042 calls concerning vehicle burglaries.

Craft says ninety percent of those burglarized vehicles were left unlocked.

Because of the increase in vehicle burglaries, Craft says the department is launching a campaign to remind residents to lock your car, take your keys, hide your valuables.