Police hope to use new auto theft program

Most car theft activity in the county occurs between 1 and 5 p.m., the chief said.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NORTH LIMA -- The Beaver Township Police Department has asked the township trustees to support a statewide program that focuses on catching car thieves.
Police Chief Carl Frost, at the township's monthly meeting Tuesday, asked trustees to approve the township's participation in a CAT, or Catch Auto Thieves, program. Essentially, vehicle owners may register their cars with the police department and in return receive a decal that is to be placed on the vehicle.
The decal indicates to police that they have authorization to stop the vehicle, specifically between 1 and 5 p.m., to ensure the driver is the owner, or that he has the owner's authorization to operate the vehicle, and that the vehicle has not been stolen. Frost explained most auto theft activities in Mahoning County take place during those hours.
"So we recommend obtaining a decal if you don't typically drive during those hours," he said. "Or if you do drive at that time, and you want a decal, just make sure you don't mind being stopped so we can make sure it's you in the vehicle."
He stressed that registration into the program is voluntary. Boardman is also participating, he said.
Other business
In other news, trustees objected to a request for a liquor permit from Jump-In-Jacks Chicken Shack, 9159 Market St., because the establishment is in Precinct 5, which is dry. However, the township did not object to a liquor permit request made by Western Reserve Sparkle Market, 1135 W. Western Reserve Road.
In other matters, the trustees appointed Irene Calvin to the township park board, effective Dec. 1. She replaces Ken Frost, who resigned because of other commitments.
Scott Conway, park board chairman, announced the township's park pavilions are closed for winter, but residents may begin reserving park facilities Jan. 2.