Managing editor
Imagine discovering that thieves had cut a lock, gained entry into your storage locker, ransacked through your personal belongings, taken what they wanted, and leaving a mess for you to clean up.
That is what happened last week at storage units on North Roosevelt Street, Marion.
Thieves used bolt cutters to gain entry into eight units.
“Three owners reported items being taken,” said Marion Police Chief Josh Whitwell. The remainder had their items strewn about.
Whitwell said this type of crime does not often happen in Marion.
“I guess it’s a sign of the time,” he said. “People are getting desperate and looking for valuable items they can take and hock.”
One of the lockers had at least $2,000 worth of items stolen.
So, what is a person who has a storage unit to do to deter thieves?
“Renters should check their storage lockers on a regular basis,” Whitwell said.
He also suggested a full, oval lock with the shackle embedded in the locking cylinder, which makes it nearly impossible for thieves to cut.
Renters should keep an inventory list of items in the storage unit, so if there is a theft, it will be easy to determine what was taken.
If thieves do break in, notify authorities.
“If we know about the crime early on, and we know what items were taken, we can notify pawn shops in the area to keep an eye out for the items,” Whitwell said.
The police chief also recommended people keep cars and homes locked when unoccupied.
“I know we live in a small town and we know our neighbors, but we don’t want to give thieves opportunities to take things that don’t belong to them,” he said.
Authorities continue to investigate a string of stolen vehicles, taken by thieves when owners left keys in ignitions.