Economy on lockdown forces drivers to lock up

By D.A. Wilkinson

The county prosecutor said the days of leaving your car unlocked are over.

LISBON — Columbiana County Prosecutor Robert Herron wants you to lock up.

That’s as in your car, your valuables or your garage.

“The downturn in the economy coupled with the increasing drug usage are reflected by spiking reports of auto break-ins occurring throughout the county,” Herron said Friday.

The prosecutor said people are looking for fast cash, or items that can be sold or traded for drugs.

He said there had been an auto break-in not far from where he lives.

He also pointed out that several cars were vandalized at a recent Salem football game, and late last year several people were breaking into cars in Salem for items and then set the vehicles on fire.

The charges can be a misdemeanor if the loss is less than $500, and a felony if the damage is more than $500.

As of Oct. 8, Columbiana County municipal court cases for 2008 have reached 1,148 complaints. That compares to 1,105 for the same period last year.

“Sadly, the days where you could park your car in the driveway and leave the doors unlocked without concern are gone,” he said.

Herron said a typical grand jury case might be someone testifying about the theft of an all-terrain vehicle.

Herron said the person will say he left the ATV in the driveway. The person will be asked where he or she left the key, and the response is, “in the ignition.”

The good news, he said, is that auto break-ins are one of the easiest crimes to prevent.

Herron urged people parking their car to lock the car, close the windows, and to not leave valuables in plain sight.

“Cell phones, purses, checkbooks, Ipods, global positioning units, credit cards and cash are frequently left out in plain view or kept in unlocked glove compartments or center consoles.”

He also urged people to park in the garage and lock the garage door.

ATV’s or motorcycles should also be kept in locked garages with the keys removed. If that’s not possible, they should be parked in a well-lighted area.

“With the economic downturn and rampant drug problem, it is likely we will continue to be plagued by thieves,” he added.

wilkinson@vindy.com