Thorsby residents stung by rash of thefts

Published 3:40 pm Thursday, September 5, 2013

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Thorsby Police are looking for the public’s help in finding the person or people responsible for a string of thefts last month.

Police Chief Rodney Barnett said his department received at least 15 reports of thefts in August. Most of the thefts took place in a relatively small area of town, framed by Highway 31 on the west, Franklin Street on the south, Mississippi Avenue on the east and the beginning of North Dakota Road on the north.

“I called around, and no one beside us was having thefts like that,” Barnett said.

Perpetrators took guns, tools, fishing rods and extension cords from residents’ vehicles and storage buildings. At least two vehicles were broken into.

Residents also reported stolen gasoline containers and gas being siphoned from their vehicles.

Perhaps the most valuable piece of property stolen was a yellow and black 1973 Yamaha Enduro motorcycle valued at $1,500.

“It’s just been a rash of things,” Barnett said. “I think it’s somebody that’s within walking distance.”

Investigators developed a suspect in the crimes, and the person was pulled over for an unrelated traffic stop, but there wasn’t enough evidence to warrant detaining or questioning the person, Barnett said. However, soon after the traffic stop, the reports of thefts ceased–at least until this week, when a resident in the Collins Chapel community reported tools being stolen and gasoline being siphoned.

Anyone with information about the thefts should call Thorsby Police Department at 646-3555. Tips can be left anonymously.