MAURICE — A string of home burglaries in the North Vermilion area has included one within the limits of the Village of Maurice.

Maurice Mayor Wayne Theriot said he hopes awareness from the public helps stop any further break-ins, whether in Maurice or anywhere else.

“We want to encourage anybody who thinks they have any information to call the proper authorities,” Theriot said.

That would include the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Department or calling the Maurice PD at 893-2540. Theriot said any tip could lead to a series of events that puts an end to the crimes.

“Our investigator told me police work is a lot of luck,” Theriot said. “You get one little piece of information and all of the sudden dominoes start falling.

“If they see a suspicious vehicles or people hanging around, call us.”

The MPD has already received one tip. A white van was parked near a house and appeared stuck. Officers responded to discover the van was rental being used by a delivery company.

“That type of awareness is what is needed,” Theriot said. “I would rather one of our officers go and it be a legitimate thing, than someone not report it and it be an actual crime happening.”

The Maurice Police Department is increasing patrol within the village.

“We have asked our officers to be diligent in their awareness,” Theriot said.

The mayor added that only so much can be done by patrol. An important key is awareness from citizens.

“The more public awareness that it is out there the better,” Theriot said. “We want to encourage people who think they have something to call.

“Even if it is a little thing, give the appropriate authorities a call.”