The Warren County Sheriff’s Department is sending more frequent patrols to the former Emmaus Homes campus east of Marthasville, after the facility became the target of several recent crimes.A burglary and three property damage incidents were reported at the 125-year-old facility and surrounding buildings in the first week of July, according to a sheriff’s department report.The sheriff’s department hopes to deter additional trespassing or vandalism by increasing its presence in the area, Sheriff Kevin Harrison said.“We are down there doing extra patrols almost every night,” Harrison said.Emmaus Homes provides housing and caretaking services for adults with developmental disabilities. Earlier this year, the organization finished moving its residents out of the historical Marthasville campus and into a number of small group homes.Since then, the campus has become a place of interest for “thrill seekers,” and a possible target for thieves, Harrison said.Lisa Key, chief development officer with Emmaus, said the break-ins have typically been kids coming into the campus and fooling around.“We’re grateful that it was minor property damage, and we’re working with the sheriff’s department and these kids’ families to make the situation right,” Key said.She added that Emmaus staff have installed additional barriers to prevent access to the campus, and regularly inspect the buildings. Emmaus is grateful for the added presence of deputies, Key said.

Photo courtesy of www.emmaushomes.org.