Butler County Sheriff's Office

[Public Info Officer]

For Immediate Release…
November 18, 2008

Thieves Targeting Vehicles in Wayne and Liberty Townships

Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones reports a marked increase in the number of reports being filed involving thefts from vehicles, especially in the Wayne and Liberty Township areas. In Wayne Township, at least 10 vehicles were reported broken into on November 11, predominantly along Tolbert Road. Items taken mostly included small amounts of cash, car keys, and tools. Residents of Liberty Township subdivisions have reported more than 15 vehicles broken into or vandalized over the last 3 weeks. Items taken there included cash and electronic items.

Some victims reported their vehicles had been left unlocked, and/or with valuables left in plain sight, something the Sheriff’s Office warns against. “Leaving any valuable items in plain sight in an unattended vehicle, even in the owner’s driveway, often results in a break-in and theft,” says Sheriff Jones. “Everyone always seems to think it can’t happen in their neighborhood, or it won’t happen to them. Unfortunately, it can, and does.”

The Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate these break-ins. Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit at (513) 785-1234, or our Dispatch Center at (513) 785-1300. Tips to help reduce your chances of being victimized include locking vehicles and taking valuables out of the car overnight, arming your vehicle’s alarm (if available), leaving outside lights on, and getting together with neighbors to help look out for each other.

Prepared by: Sgt. Monte Mayer
Public Information Officer