Prentiss County Vandalism: Trash Fires Set Near Homes
The Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public to help identify whoever is behind a string of mailbox vandalism and trash can fires in the county. Deputies say several of the fires were set right up against people’s homes. According to the sheriff’s department, the incidents happened on the nights of Saturday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 31.
The sheriff’s department shared the request, along with photos of burned debris left behind, on its official Facebook page on Sunday, Nov. 1.
Prentiss County Vandalism Along County Road 5131
The sheriff’s department says the damage started along County Road 5131 and continued into the Meadow Creek area. Investigators reported:
- Multiple mailboxes vandalized along the route
- Several trash cans damaged or completely destroyed
- A number of trash cans set on fire
- Some of those fires lit directly against residential homes
The department said the fires set next to houses created a serious fire hazard and put nearby residents and their property at risk. Burning a plastic trash can against a wall or porch can quickly spread flames to siding, eaves and anything stored nearby.
The sheriff’s department has not said whether anyone was hurt or how many homes were affected, and no suspects have been named.
How to Report a Tip
Anyone who saw any of the incidents or has information about who is responsible is asked to contact the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department at (662) 728-6232 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi.
- Crime Stoppers of NE MS: 800-773-TIPS (8477)
- P3 Tips app: download the app and leave an anonymous tip
- Reward: Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 cash for a tip that leads to an arrest
The sheriff’s department stressed that Crime Stoppers “does not want your name just your information,” so tipsters can stay anonymous.
Why Mailbox Damage Is Taken Seriously
Mailbox vandalism is often brushed off as a prank, but mailboxes are protected by federal law, and destroying one can bring federal charges in addition to state charges. Setting fires near occupied homes is far more serious. Depending on the circumstances, it could lead to arson-related charges under Mississippi law.
Residents in the County Road 5131 and Meadow Creek areas are encouraged to check any home security or doorbell cameras for footage from the nights of Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. Footage showing vehicles or people in the area during the late-night hours could help investigators.
Under Sheriff Randy Tolar, the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department has regularly turned to the public and Crime Stoppers for help with property crimes in rural parts of the county. Anyone eventually charged in this case will be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
More Prentiss County law enforcement news: Prentiss County Officers Graduate Law Enforcement Academy and Prentiss County checkpoint arrest.
Source: Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department
