Dozens of burglaries reported
Weapons, cash among items taken
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Police Department has been inundated with vehicle burglary reports over the past week at locations all over the city.
Reports began coming the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 18, with a resident of Barton Street reporting her car alarm had gone off. Eleven more reports were made Oct. 19, from callers primarily in the Elizabeth Street area of the city. Officers Peter Johnson and Cole Chandler were assigned to investigate.
Calls continued on Oct. 23, with 19 reported burglaries of motor vehicles. At least a dozen more calls came into the station Oct. 23 reporting similar incidents. Officers Johnson, Kevin Reed, Danielle Levesque and Kevin Schumacher, as well as K-9 Officer Hunter, were assigned to investigate these complaints.
The following is a list of streets and number of reported burglaries on each: Lincoln, five; Federal, one; Elizabeth, six; Ward, two; Exchange, two; Mechanic, one; State, two; Wilson, three; Verone, one; Dyer, five; Elm, one; City View Drive, one; Skyview Drive, two; Lombard, one; Barton, one; Dudley, one; Oak, one; Hardy, three; Centerline Road, one; and Chapman Road, one — for a grand total of 40 burglaries.
“The cases involved unlocked vehicles, with the usual items taken — loose change, medications, CDs. What’s most disturbing, however, is the fact there were several guns taken as well,” said Chief Matt Irwin, PIPD.
At least four rifles or shotguns were taken, although police were able to recover at least one weapon in the neighborhood it was taken in.
Irwin stressed the importance of locking unattended vehicles.
“Why would anyone leave valuables in an unlocked vehicle? It only takes a second to lock the door. Or better yet, remove valuables. Don’t leave a reason for someone to attempt such activities,” said Irwin.
Irwin said Schumacher and their canine were called in over the weekend and that a few leads have developed.
“Kevin did a couple tracks with Hunter and we have some promising leads at this time. We’re continuing the investigation and hope to find the person or persons responsible,” said Irwin.
Evidence was collected at several of the crime scenes and is being examined by police.
To report a burglary or to provide police with information in any of these cases, call 764-4476.
