METRO DIGEST || Boxes in trash attract thieves

Trash attracts thieves

WARREN

Jeff Cole, officer in charge and public-information officer for the Warren Police Department, says it’s a wise practice to break down boxes before putting them out for trash pickup.

Thieves watch the trash for boxes indicating that a resident has recently received a new electronic device or other sought-after item and may target that home, he said.

“We’re living in a time where break-ins are vast, so protect your valuables,” Cole said.

Lighting around a house is important for discouraging a break-in, he said, adding that timers can also help fool a would-be burglar.

Columbiana house fire

COLUMBIANA

The cause of a fire that caused heat damage to a home in Columbiana on Friday evening is still unknown, Columbiana Fire Chief Rick Garrity said.

The fire at 1888 Columbiana-Lisbon Road was called in at 5:05 p.m.

Garrity said no one was home at the time.

Fire crews from Leetonia and Columbiana had the blaze extinguished within 15 minutes.

The chief believes the fire started in the living room of the house.

He said the home and many of the family’s possessions are salvageable.

Midlothian drug raid

STRUTHERS

City police, in conjunction with Mahoning County’s drug task force, raided a home at 2711 E. Midlothian Blvd. The raid, which occurred about 2 p.m., was part of an investigation into drug activity at the duplex.

Charges will be filed later, said Detective Jeff Lewis of the Struthers Police Department. Police would not release any names at this time.

Flu vaccine urged

COLUMBUS

Although Ohio is experiencing minimal influenza-like illness activity compared to what is being seen in other parts of the country, there are signs that influenza activity is on the rise in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

As a consequence, ODH is encouraging residents to get their influenza vaccine. So far this flu season, 338 influenza-associated hospitalizations have been reported to ODH, primarily in Northeast Ohio.

“The flu virus will be less likely to spread if more people are vaccinated,” said ODH director, Dr. Ted Wymyslo. “Immunization has proven to be the safest and most effective way to fight the flu so I encourage all Ohioans to get vaccinated.”

For information on influenza, including where to find vaccines, visit the “Flu Season in Ohio” feature at www.odh.ohio.gov.