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Close to 100 people attended a neighborhood meeting Thursday to discuss the recent string of break-ins in and around Warsaw. Held at the First Baptist Church of Warsaw on Patterson Road, the meeting was attended mostly by residents from Timber Ridge and Patterson Place additions. Break-ins have occurred in both areas.
The meeting focused on preventing break-ins, organizing a neighborhood watch and clearing up erroneous rumors about the break-ins, said Warsaw Police Captain Steve Foster, who answered questions and addressed the meeting.
Foster said all county residents should remember to lock all doors and windows at night; remove keys from vehicles, even those locked in a garage; and turn on outside lights at night.
"If you get up at night, no matter what the reason, take a moment to look out at your neighborhood and report any suspicious people or vehicles," he said. "If you see something at 2 a.m., call us at 2 a.m. Don't wait a couple of days."
Area gun shops report no unusual increase in the number of guns being sold, and only a slight increase in the demand for pepper spray.
The sheriff's department and Warsaw police report no increase in the number of handgun permits being requested.
The break-ins are the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department's Crime Stoppers crime of the week. Crime Stoppers is offering a guaranteed $1,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest or indictment by Sept. 12 of the person responsible for the break-ins.
According to the Crime Stoppers report, the break-ins have occurred between May 20 and Aug. 26. They usually occur in the evening while the occupants are asleep, and the perpetrator takes mainly purses, wallets and jewelry.
Anyone with information about the crimes should call 800-342-STOP.
