Dozens of high
dollar items
reported stolen
in recent months

By Misti Drew
Tribune-Courier Reporter
mdrew@tribunecourier.com

MARSHALL COUNTY – “If you want to keep it, lock it up.” That is the warning coming from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department as a wave of thefts continue to plague area residents.

“We are getting hit very hard,” Detective Dan Melone said. “Utility trailers, ATVs and golf carts are being stolen at an alarming rate.”

The crime wave has extended for more than a year now, peaking in the last few months. Dozens of high dollar items have been reported stolen in the past year, sometimes two to three a night, Melone advised.

The thefts have been occurring county-wide, with no particular pattern of behavior being established. Some thefts have occurred in scarcely populated areas, while others have taken place in high traffic areas of the county.

“We suspect many of these thefts are related,” Melone advised. He said the method of operation resembles that of another theft ring which was busted two years ago. The stolen property was located in Tennessee.

“We are stepping up patrol on our end and asking for the community’s help,” Melone said. “We are asking for people to pay attention to their neighborhoods and to call if they see anything out of the ordinary.”

Melone said to be watchful of those who might be storing a variety or quantity of these items, rotating out on a frequent basis.

Also, Melone said to be wary of anyone attempting to sell a high dollar item at a discounted price.

“Many of these trailers and ATVs cost thousands of dollars. If you see one being sold for a few hundred dollars, that should raise your level of suspicion.”

To help prevent further thefts, Melone offered these tips on securing property:

• Keep items of value out of plain sight from the roadway.

• Document and securely store all VIN numbers associated with items of value, as well as a current photograph.

• Note any special parts of after-market detail work that might be helpful in recovering stolen property.

• Keep items in an area with a motion-activated floodlight.

• Use a locking hitch on trailers and chain locks on ATVs and golf carts.

• Homes with watch dogs are less likely to be victimized.

• If you realize something has been stolen, stay clear of the area until law enforcement arrive. Valuable evidence can be lost if crime scenes are not properly secured.

If you have any information regarding these or any other crimes, contact Crimestoppers at 527-COPS where you can choose to remain anonymous and collect a reward if the information provided leads to the arrest of a suspect in the case.