Local law enforcement agencies are continuing investigations into multiple burglaries that have occurred at businesses and residences in Chillicothe and Livingston County over the past six weeks.
In the rural areas of the county there have been about six burglaries — mostly involving the theft of firearms, cash, coins and prescription medications, according to Livingston County Sheriff Steve Cox.
Within the city limits, there have been around eight break-ins during the same time period — mostly involving the theft of cash from businesses and personal items and electronics from residences, according to Police Chief Rick Knouse.
Typically, the business break-ins have occurred at night and the residential break-ins have occurred during the day. However, one break-in occurred at a residence in north Chillicothe while its occupants were sleeping. Burglars left with a TV set and a phone.
In one reported burglary in the rural area of Livingston County, the crime allegedly occurred when the occupant of the house went out to feed livestock. Upon returning to the house, the occupant discovered firearms and cash missing.
No one has yet been charged for the break-ins in Livingston County; however authorities believe they are closing in on suspects.
“We hope to be able to share some information within the next few days,” Sheriff Cox said today (Wednesday).
Evidence collected at one crime scene, he said, included a blood sample which was forwarded to the crime lab.
Authorities say that the surrounding counties of Chariton, Linn and Daviess also are experiencing a number of burglaries.
In Linn County, two Brookfield people were picked up early Tuesday in connection with a residential burglary. Police Chief Dave Hane stated that officers made a traffic stop at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday and determined that the driver and passenger were both in violation of the city’s 11 p.m. curfew ordinance. He said that during the processing of the individuals, officers found what they believed was evidence of a burglary that had occurred at a Brookfield residence and was reported to police Monday evening.
As a result, Grant Austin Smith, 17, of Brookfield, was taken into custody and charged with four counts of theft of a firearm and one count of second-degree burglary. He was being held in Livingston County Jail on a $25,000 bond. The other individual was a 16-year-old Brookfield male who was later placed in juvenile detention by juvenile authorities, Chief Hane said.
Law enforcement officers are keeping busy with a number of reported offenses.
Chillicothe police just Tuesday responded to a call regarding the alleged theft of a diamond ring at a residence. Police say two individuals allegedly selling tools were at the home and one asked to use the rest room. During the process that suspect is said to have absconded with a diamond ring. The investigation is continuing.
In the county, authorities are handling a number of cases and also now are investigating reports of vandalism to several mailboxes in the north half of the county which occurred over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
