NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of her State of the City message, Interim City Manager Mary Grace Clements noted that property crimes did increase slightly in Hutchinson in 2023. Police Chief Brice Burlie said that there are things people can do to mitigate their risk.
"This time of year, during the wintertime, we do see an uptick of vehicle thefts," Burlie said. "That's usually caused by people starting their cars and then leaving them unattended. That's one thing that can be done, making sure that you take all your valuables out, especially at night when you get home from work, keeping your doors locked on your car."
There are also measures you can take for your home.
"One of the big things you can do is the Ring doorbell cameras," Burlie said. "It's not only great security for you and your family, but it's something that could prove to be of high evidentiary value of locating the individual that might have committed a crime against the person."
Unlike some Kansas cities, Hutchinson does not have a specific ordinance that tickets people for leaving cars running unattended.
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