MISSISSIPPI STOLEN COMPUTERS RECOVEREDWLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Five Weeks, Five Theft Busts11/15/04 Jackson
Five Weeks, Five Theft Busts

Jackson Police are questioning a person about thousands of dollars worth of stolen property that was found in his house.

The unidentified man was found at 1414 Florence Street along with the stolen merchandise.

The items included computers, hardware, and cameras.

This is the fifth major stolen property recovery by Jackson Police Department's Burglary Division in as many weeks.

JPD is trying to send a message to thieves and help those who've been victimized.

Brent Yurtkuran is smiling now, but it is a far cry from his expression around the middle of last week after computers were stolen from his business.
"All total about $7200 worth," Yurtkuran says.

JPD's Burglary Division has recovered about 80 percent of his company's vital equipment.

Monday, Yurtkuran visited JPD's 2nd precinct to pick up another computer.

In the last five weeks, the Burglary Divison has recovered at least $75,000 worth of everything from computers, to clothes, to Christmas items from five different theft busts.

Seargent Jeffrey Scott says there have been some recent personnel changes inside the Burglary Division, which he heads up. It is trying to stop what experts call a million dollar business in Jackson.

"It's (theft rings) everywhere right now. Most of the busts we've done have been all over the city," Seargent Scott says.

JPD currently has warrants out for six suspects, are questioning one person, and have arrested four people so far.

While none of the five theft busts are believed to be connected, Scott says every arrest helps.

"Once we make an arrest, we develop information that leads to another arrest. That leads to another arrest. It's kind of snowballing".

That snow ball affect has lead to the slew of arrests and one stong message.

"Stolen items in Jackson, the sell of stolen items, we are not going to stand for it," Scott says.

Sergeant Scott says anyone who has bought retail items for a low price should contact JPD's Burglary Division.

Scott says police will temporarily grant amnesty to those who turn in stolen items they purchased.