The Biloxi Police Department reports a 51 percent drop in property crimes compared to this time last year and a 38 percent below the average over the past five years.
The nightly curfew and additional police patrols, says Biloxi Police Chief John Miller, are working.
“People are staying off the streets,” Miller said, “and that is a key to the city’s efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.”
Miller reports that since the 11 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew began April 2, six days ago, 45 people have been stopped by police after 11 p.m. “Some have had legitimate reasons,” the chief said. “Some said they were unaware of the curfew, and three were arrested for violating the order.”
In addition to its routine patrols, with officers working their normal 12-hour shifts, the police department also is maintaining two special details each day, one from noon to midnight and one from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
“These details are looking for social distancing, large groups or anyone on the beach,” Miller said, “and then, with all of the businesses that are closed, they look out for residential or commercial burglaries.”
The police numbers, the latest coronavirus numbers and a salute to the workers at Merit Health Biloxi are in today’s Be Prepared video.
Facebook: See today’s video update
YouTube: See today’s video update
See the city’s coronavirus advisories
See today’s tracking chart
News & notes: Market, council replay, Fred, dog parks
Market: The Biloxi Community Market will be open Thursday at 6 a.m., on Howard Avenue at Hopkins Boulevard, under the I-110 overpass. Social distancing must be observed.
Council replay: To see a replay of the Tuesday night meeting of the Biloxi City Council, click here.
Fred: The 50th anniversary of Apollo 13’s liftoff is Saturday. Have you seen the story of Biloxi native and astronaut Fred Haise? “Fred Haise: From Biloxi to the Moon,” a documentary by August Taconi, airs daily at 8 a.m., 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. only on BTV. To see BTV online now, click here.
Dog parks: The City of Biloxi’s two dog parks, off Popp’s Ferry and in Hiller Park, are closed until further notice.
