PORTAGE COUNTY (WAOW) -
Authorities are calling a string of burglaries in Portage County unusual. That's because they
believe the suspect may be using obituaries to find targets.
The obituaries are usually a place to remember those lost.
But the Portage County Sheriff's Department believes someone may be using them
for something much different.
"Burglaries happen from time to time and three of them
happen to coincide with someone who died in the family," Portage County
Sheriff's Department Captain Dale O'Kray said.
Since July, authorities say there have been three home burglaries
in the Junction City
area. And they've all occurred a short time after the owners died.
"We're not really sure if they're tied in, it's kind of a
theory at this point.
Portage
County officials say it
may be a crime of opportunity.
"If they know someone is not going to be home, it's a lot
easier for them," O'Kray said.
And it may be happening in other counties.
"Wood
County had a similar
thing in the Milladore area," O'Kray said. That's why they're working with
investigators there to see if anything is connected.
The Sheriff's Department says some of the stolen items
include jewelry, a television and tools—adding up to around a $3,000 value.
"If anyone saw anyone, if someone sees a strange vehicle not
from the area—anything that can give us more information," O'Kray said.
Officials say sometimes a suspect will try to sell the
stolen items—so that's also something to look out for.
Anyone with information is asked to call Portage County
Sheriff's Dept: (715) 346-1400
