Sikeston man arrested for several burglaries

SIKESTON -- A Sikeston man faces charges for his involvement in the burglary of multiple local businesses.

Aaron J. Presley, 37, is charged with seven counts of burglary, five counts of felony stealing, felony property damage, misdemeanor property damage and misdemeanor stealing.

"Sikeston Public Safety has been working on several recent burglary cases in Sikeston's business district along East Malone Avenue," said Capt. Jim McMillen, public information officer for Sikeston DPS.

The evidence collected at these burglaries led police to Presley's home on the 300 block of Greer Street, where Presley was located and taken into custody, according to McMillen. The home was subsequently searched and stolen property was recovered.

"The result of this investigation cleared up seven local burglaries and left Presley facing a myriad of charges," McMillen said.

Charges handed down to Presley by the 33rd Judicial Circuit Court on Tuesday amounted to 13 different felonies and two misdemeanors. He remains in custody with a $15,000 cash only bond.

Even with this arrest, McMillen said there are still others who are looking to take advantage of an easy target.

"Business owners need to evaluate their businesses for vulnerabilities when it comes to burglary and theft," the DPS captain said.

The following are things McMillen said business owners can do to help discourage a would-be burglar from victimizing them:

-- Have good deadbolt locks and secure doors

-- Have reinforced glass or security windows

-- Have good lighting inside and out

-- Account for all of your keys

-- Have an alarm system that contacts the police

-- Have a security surveillance system that records

"The goal is to have enough security that you encourage the burglar to find an easier target," McMillen said. "You want to make the thief have to work for his loot. Most thieves look for an easy target."

Deadbolts and reinforced glass make it more difficult to get in; a silent alarm system that contacts the police, allows the burglar to believe there is no alarm, McMillen said. This makes it a lot easier for the police to catch them because they continue working when the police are on their way, he said.

If the burglar does get away, police will process the crime scene for evidence.

"By far the best evidence is a surveillance video recording of the thief in action," McMillen said. "This can be video of both inside and outside of the business. It is very valuable evidence, and I would encourage any business owner to invest in a solid system."

Finally, McMillen said to pay attention when someone comes into a business and it feels like they may be "casing the place" or sizing it up to burglarize later.

"Call Sikeston DPS if you have this suspicious activity occurring at your business," he said.

For this story and more, see the Thursday edition of the Standard Democrat.