The residents of Bogue Chitto have had enough.

Within the past month, three homes have been broken into and throughout the year multiple ATVs on other property have been taken. The sheriffs department is investigating the instances, but at the moment have no leads. Residents are upset and concerned about their property and families’ safety.

Tuesday night in the Bogue Chitto Attendance Center cafeteria Bogue Chitto residents met with Sheriff Steve Rushing and several of his deputies to discuss the ongoing burglaries and voice their concerns for what is going on in their neighborhoods.

“We need help. I’m not going to lie, and I’m not going to sugar coat anything,” said Rushing. “We need your help.”

The sheriff’s office has been working on catching the burglars for the past year but has not found any culprits. Rushing said the house burglaries have been during the day when people are not home, and they are taking guns and jewelry. Rushing said Pike County has also had some hits in the same area in the last month, and he is working with them and other counties to try and stop the thefts.

Rushing said the four wheeler and trailer thefts have also been going on during the daytime hours. He said they have been stolen in Lincoln County south of U.S. Highway 84 as well as at least four other counties.

“We’re just trying to shake the trees,” said Tate McCaffrey. He said the group understands there is a lot of other crime in the county, but they felt it was important to come together and find out what is going on about the burglaries. “We want to know efforts are being made and where we stand with figuring out who’s doing this.”

McCaffrey said Tuesday night’s meeting was to figure out what headway has been made to finding the burglars and what should residents be doing. McCaffrey’s trailer and all of the cooking equipment inside were stolen earlier this year. He used the trailer and equipment for fundraisers and community service projects.

Rushing suggested Bogue Chitto establish a community watch program and gave advice on how to better protect property.

Captain John Whittaker said the main thing people can do is watch out for each other.

“If something doesn’t look right, call us. Use your eyes and your ears when you’re out riding around the community,” said Whittaker.

He said even though something may seem small, it is worth calling the Sheriff’s office.

On a flyer handed out by the Sheriff, they suggest keeping four wheelers out of sight, writing down serial numbers of guns, taking pictures of valuables and writing down the VIN for four wheelers.

The flyer also said to call the Sheriff’s Office if someone comes to your house if they are acting lost or looking for someone that doesn’t live in the area. Try to see what vehicle they are driving or tag number without putting yourself in danger.

Rushing said they are working on the cases and looking for any help from the community.

“If there is any information, come to us and let us know,” said Rushing.

He added people should call his office before relying on social media for information about crimes.

The Bogue Chitto community will hold a separate meeting to establish a community watch program. The time and date are not set.

To report any suspicious activity in Lincoln County call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 601-833-5231.