String of car break-ins being investigated by WAPD

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WEST ALEXANDRIA — The West Alexandria Police Department is investigating a string of break-ins which have occurred throughout the village over the past couple months.

According to West Alexandria Police Chief Terry Strawser, roughly 18 cars have been broken into overnight in recent months, with mostly petty change and small amounts of cash stolen from the vehicles.

However, the break-ins have become more “desperate” according to Strawser, who says small electronics like IPods and GPS devices have been reported missing in more recent instances.

Strawser said all the vehicles appeared to have been unlocked as there have been no signs of forced entry on the vehicles. He also said one house has been broken into during the time of the car break-ins but he believes that incident to be unrelated.

Strawser said the events have been spread out across the village, making it more difficult to patrol for the crimes but says the department is stepping up patrols at night and adding officers to shifts to help out.

He says the department is following a few leads on the case and said “no tip is too small,” advising people if they see any suspicious activity to contact the Preble County Sheriff’s Department, who will then dispatch the West Alexandria Police Department.

Strawser also reminded residents to lock their cars at night.

The Preble County Sheriff’s phone number is 937-456-6301.

Anyone with information should call the West Alexandria PD at 937-839-4730.

By Austin Schmidt

[email protected]

Reach Austin Schmidt at 937-683-4062 or on Twitter @aschmidt_RH.

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