FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- A burglary task force has found that victims often do not have serial numbers written down -- a helpful tool in tracking down stolen merchandise.

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Fayetteville Police began a Burglary Task Force at the start of 2008 to combat the city’s issues with property crime. 
 
Since the group’s start in January, officers have arrested 317 individuals for a combined total of 1,008 felony charges, 112 misdemeanor charges, and have recovered more than $82,000 in property.  The majority of charges stem from residential and motor vehicle break-ins.
 
The Burglary Task Force is comprised of the department’s two Special Projects Units (SPU) and Detectives with the Property Crimes Unit.  The purpose of the task force was to bring different units together to investigate and prevent break-ins and apprehend suspects.  SPU officers assist detectives with follow-ups, arrests and surveillance.  The group also worked to prevent break-ins and educate the public with the assistance of the Crime Prevention Specialists and Citizens On Patrol (COP) volunteers.
 
Members of the task force also work closely with the Robeson County, Hoke County and Cumberland County Sheriff Offices and the Hope Mills Police Department sharing information and recovering property taken across city and county lines. Additionally, the group also works with the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office to identify repeat offenders and attempt to keep suspects in jail longer.

The Task Force found that some of the victims did not have serial numbers to their property. Police are asking for the public to record the serial numbers listed on valuables. Keep a watch in your neighborhood and report any suspicious activity to the Police Department immediately.