Vehicle break-ins rise in rural Rock County
JANESVILLE — More than a dozen thefts from unlocked vehicles have been reported in rural Rock County since the beginning of July, and the Rock County Sheriff’s Office is advising residents to be alert.
According to a news release, the thefts have been in the southwestern section of Rock County in the:
-- 11000 block of South County H in the town of Newark.
-- 11000 block of South Merlet Road in the town of Newark.
-- 9000 and 9700 blocks of South Olson Road in the town of Newark.
-- 8600 block of West Highway 81 in the town of Newark.
-- 3700 and 9700 blocks of South Nelson Road in the town of Avon.
-- 10000 and 14000 blocks of West Skinner Road in the town of Avon.
-- 1400 block of South Dickey Road in the town of Spring Valley.
-- 4700 block of North Fox Road in the town of Center.
-- 3300 block of North Polzin Road in the town of Janesville.
-- 6500 block of Plymouth Church Road in the town of Rock.
Items including electronics, credit cards, cash, purses and personal identification are being taken from unlocked vehicles parked in driveways or garages. Multiple vehicles have been entered at some of these homes.
Garage door openers taken from vehicles parked in driveways have been used to enter garages, where additional vehicles have been entered and items stolen. Several of the homes also had ATVs taken.
The thefts have been during the late evening hours into the early morning hours.
Sheriff Bob Spoden reminded residents to be vigilant and:
-- Keep your vehicle locked. Do not leave valuable items such as a purse, CDs, MP3 player or laptop in plain view. Take the items inside with you. If you must leave it in the vehicle, secure it in the trunk.
-- Be alert in protecting your property and your neighbors’ property. Report suspicious people and vehicles. Be cautious of strangers and when in doubt, call law enforcement. Remember criminals often park near their targets and approach on foot, so it is important to report suspicious vehicles parked in your neighborhood.
-- Get to know your neighbors. Learn about joining or starting a neighborhood watch.
To help
Anyone with information about recent vehicle thefts in rural Rock County can call the sheriff’s office detective bureau at (608) 757-7923, Janesville Area CrimeStoppers at (608) 756-3636, Greater Beloit Area CrimeStoppers at (608) 362-7463, or text “CRIMES” (274637) with the keyword “JACS” or “BACS” then your message. Tips also can be submitted at stopjanesvillecrime.com or gbacrimestoppers.com.
