Suspicious Activity Increasing in City

By: Tim Schmidt
Posted 11/7/19

Marthasville residents have been spooked recently by an increase in suspicious activity, but one resident actually did some spooking of his own. It led to a burglary being stopped as it was starting. …

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Suspicious Activity Increasing in City

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Marthasville residents have been spooked recently by an increase in suspicious activity, but one resident actually did some spooking of his own. It led to a burglary being stopped as it was starting. The resident, who was sleeping on a couch, awoke when the burglar entered the residence in early September in the 800 block of Daniel's Trail. The startled burglar fled without taking anything, according to Police Chief Gene Jenkins. "It was a really weird situation," Jenkins said. "Whoever it is, is really brave." Two weeks later, a prowler was found peeking inside a window at the same residence. Authorities assume it was the same individual. Both incidents earlier this month have increased awareness for local law enforcement authorities. Marthasville doesn't have a full-time police department so the city also relies on coverage from the sheriff's office. Two suspicious males also were located on Hiawatha Street Sept. 19 around 9:30 p.m. Jenkins said a homeowner reported that two suspects were standing at the door to the residence when they were pulling into the driveway. The males, both wearing white T-shirts, quickly fled. Jenkins reminds residents that their own diligence can help deter criminals and reminded them to be watchful for suspicious activity. He said criminals are taking advantage of homeowners who are not locking their doors or keeping their garage doors closed at night. "People are leaving their doors unlocked," Jenkins said. "That is the biggest problem. You need to lock your doors. Unfortunately, we have to do that now." Both instances made the Daniel's Trail residence inviting to a potential burglar. Jenkins said the suspect gained access to the residence around 5 a.m. thanks to an open garage door and an unlocked door to the house after one of the occupants had already left for work. Fortunately in this case no one was hurt, he added. Sheriff Kevin Harrison said his department is currently investigating the burglary and looking for suspects. He encourages residents to immediately dial 911 and contact law enforcement authorities. He said oftentimes homeowners don't realize the importance of reporting suspicious activity. "We need timely reporting no matter how small or insignificant it may seem," Harrison stated. Jenkins acknowledged that Marthasville isn't a quiet little town anymore. "There definitely has been an increase in crimes in the Marthasville area," Jenkins said. "It's up to citizens to help."


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