Rash of break-ins reported in Jefferson

By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

June 18, 2009 12:29 am

— JEFFERSON — The recent rash of break-ins in the Jefferson Village downtown area has prompted reminders to lock up vehicles and homes.
“The break-ins started about three weeks ago and have included numerous vehicles and two foreclosed vacant houses,” said acting Jefferson Police chief Dave Wassie. “All of the vehicles that were entered were unsecured and parked at various Jefferson businesses in the downtown area.”
Some of the break-ins occurred in the parking lots of Gazette Printing, Fleming and Billman Funeral Home, First Baptist Church, Jefferson Community Center and a couple of banks, Wassie said. Items stolen from the vehicles included money, medications, checkbooks and global positioning satellite systems.
“These were easily (stolen) because they were left in an unlocked car. With today’s economy and the way society is today, people cannot leave their property unsecured,” Wassie said.
A Jefferson Community Center employee said one car was broken into Tuesday, during the middle of the day, so the employees are diligent in reminding the center’s patrons to keep their vehicles locked.
The good news is the Jefferson police have one juvenile suspect and charges are pending with the Ashtabula County Juvenile Court.
“We have other very strong leads,” Wassie said. “We feel there is more than one person involved.”