Crime statistics for May show property-related incidents had decreased significantly, according to the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office.

Burglaries fell by nearly 50 percent, from 24 to 13, and felony theft by taking reports dropped by almost one-third, from 38 to 27.

“The dropoff is a result of increased patrols by deputies and from residents reporting suspicious activity,” said Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie.

Investigators have recovered several stolen items, including firearms and vehicles. Arrests have been made and include two individuals who were arrested last month after an alert citizen observed suspicious activity and called deputies. Deputies who were patrolling nearby neighborhoods were on scene within minutes and arrested two burglary suspects.

The number of entering auto reports fell from 11 in April to five in May. Investigators recovered $1,000 worth of property in April and $16,500 worth of stolen property in May.

“In the summer months, we generally see an increase in crime,” said ECSO spokesman Detective David Ehsanipoor. “We want the public to call us with any suspicious activity.”

The sheriff’s department is continuing its increased presence in neighborhoods, Ehsanipoor added. School resource officers are on patrol in residential areas during the school summer break.

The Effingham County Sheriffs Office encourages anyone who observes suspicious activity to call local law enforcement immediately.