Property crimes are at an all-time high in the area, Harrison noted, and plans are being made to combat the recent increases. "I really think we have individuals working the area," Harrison said. "It definitely is a problem that has our attention right now." Lt. Scott Schoenfeld said the sheriff's department is currently investigating around 10-15 cases involving property damage. Harrison also acknowledged his department is seeing an increase of cases involving theft of copper and aluminum. Scrappers are stripping grain bins, machine sheds and homes of their wiring, resulting in extensive damage and high costs to repair it. Since the increase in property damage, Harrison said he is encouraging his deputies to stop and check vehicles that are leaving areas that might be attractive for scrappers. "These machine shops were right off the service road," Harrison pointed out. "They were visible from the interstate. I think these individuals are driving around and scouting locations that have accessible wire to get in and get out." A recent arrest made by the sheriff's department involved an alleged scrapper. James Halloran, 44, of Warrenton, was charged on Sept. 12 for second-degree burglary and first-degree property damage. Halloran is accused of damaging a house undergoing construction on Highway CC south of Warrenton. Harrison said the house was flooded by running water, had cabinet doors ripped off and rolls of copper wire were taken. Three other individuals were recently charged with stealing, Harrison said. During a call for stealing in progress at Quality Auto Sales near Wright City on Sept. 15, Schoenfeld said deputies responded to the scene and located Scott Hagist, Clayton Davis and Christopher Condon behind the salvage yard. Schoenfeld said the three men allegedly had stolen vehicle parts on a trailer being pulled by an ATV through the woods. As part of the ongoing investigation, a search warrant executed at Hagist's property located more alleged stolen goods from St. Charles and St. Louis counties, according to Schoenfeld. Hagist, 43, of Wright City, has been charged with stealing, possession of a controlled substance and receiving stolen property. Davis, 35, of St. Charles, and Condon, 38, of Troy, each were charged with stealing. All three were arraigned on Monday. Harrison also said his department just cleared a string of vandalism incidents involving about 24 mailboxes on Stracks Church Road. Two juveniles from the area are accused of riding around on an ATV and smashing the mailboxes with a bat. Harrison said the two individuals have since been referred to the juvenile office. "You're talking about a significant amount of damage," Harrison said.