Public asked to help nab thieves
By Staff Reports
Published in News on April 1, 2010 1:46 PM
The public's help is being sought for information that will lead to the arrests of persons responsible for recent residential break-ins in Wayne County.
Sheriff Carey Winders said Wayne and surrounding counties have had a significant increase in residential break-ins. In most cases, the main items stolen seem to be flat screen televisions and laptop computers, the sheriff said.
He said the problem is likely linked to the recession -- and added that it is not unique to Wayne County.
"I am sure that the state of our economy has led to this increase," Winders said. "Practically all the counties we have communications with (have the same problem)."
The sheriff advised residents to stay vigilant and to call the authorities if they see anything out of the ordinary.
"I am asking for the public to become involved and diligent," he said. "We have had several break-ins that neighbors have told us, after the fact, that they saw a vehicle or a person at the victim's residence but they did not call law enforcement."
Paying attention to irregularities could prevent a crime, Winders said.
"Please call law enforcement if you see a suspicious vehicle or person at a residence of a neighbor that you have not noticed there before, especially if you know the resident is not home. We would much rather check out a suspicious vehicle and it turn out to be innocent that not check one that could be our suspect."
Winders said the detectives and patrol officers are working diligently on the cases and have made some arrests, but added that there is still evidence to gather.
He said he has authorized a $500 reward above whatever Crime Stoppers will pay to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrests of the person or persons responsible for these break-ins and larcenies.
Anyone with information should contact Wayne County Crime Stoppers at 735-2255 or the Wayne County Sheriff's Office at 731-1481.