Warren County Sheriff Kevin Harrison urged residents to lock up their belongings and get to know their neighbors during the Republican Central Committee meeting held at Oliver’s Restaurant last Thursday.The drug traffic in the county and easy access to the interstate has consequently led to a high rate of theft, with thieves looking to make a fast dollar by stealing anything that can be sold for cash.“Most criminals are lazy and want to get in and out quick,” said Harrison. “Unfortunately, those days of leaving our cars unlocked are past, and we need to lock our stuff up.”Harrison says most of the crimes have not been break-ins but crimes of opportunity, with criminals looking for unlocked cars, homes or sheds for a fast and easy operation. Anything from small valuables to cars or motorcycles have been targets if easily accessible.“They’re looking for targets of opportunity,” said Harrison. “If I can see something of value through your car window, I’m going to get it.”On occasion criminals have used forced entry and entered homes that were occupied. Harrison says other criminals are looking for large amounts of cash to make purchases like vehicles or are stealing cars or motorcycles to turn into cash. He says the convenience of Warrenton being located on Interstate 70 can be both a benefit and a hindrance.“They will come from another community, get off the interstate and drive around looking for opportunity,” said Harrison. “They will look for a house that doesn’t have real close neighbors. They’ll knock on the door, and if you answer they’ll make up a story, and if you don’t they’ll shoulder the door and root through your stuff. That’s what we’re having happen.”Harrison followed up by encouraging homeowners to use their best judgment when it comes to self-defense.He informed residents that while they have the right to use force against an intruder, remembering your belongings are insured and finding a safe exit can often be the smartest and safest approach. Harrison encourages residents to consider whether it is their property or their lives that are being threatened and to react accordingly.He mentioned that hyper vigilant neighbors and reporting suspicious behaviors have helped intercept several illegal operations and thefts, including stolen vehicles.“It’s really important that you get to know your neighbors, and if you see anything that seems out of the norm, go ahead and report it,” added Harrison.

\Warren County Sheriff Kevin Harrison speaks to residents in attendance at a community forum held at Oliver's Restaurant last Thursday. Harrison discussed topics of concern in the county, including drug use, theft and general safety tips for residents to practice. Record photo/Derrick Forsythe.