Police May Have Solved Break-INS

By Rich Flowers, Athens Daily Review, Texas

Jul. 23–The Athens Police Department may be nearing an arrest in connection with three burglaries that occurred in South Athens last week, Criminal Investigations Division Sgt. Don Yarbrough said.

Break-ins were reported at S.P. Barkley Company and Alluring Nails on Madole Street, and Cripple Creek Bar-B-Q on South Palestine Street, last Friday. Investigators have identified a suspect who may have been involved in all three, Yarbrough said.

"He has been interviewed and had property in his possession that was taken in the burglaries," Yarbrough said.

Yarbrough said a report for theft in excess of $1,500 and less than $20,000 was taken in connection with the S.P. Barkley burglary. In that incident, four push mowers were stolen. Yarbrough said the thief entered an outdoor fenced area to take the items.

Investigators have recovered one of the mowers and have talked with individuals who reportedly saw the suspect in possession of the stolen item, Yarbrough said.

Lesser amounts were taken in the other break-ins. At Alluring Nails located next door, the business probably sustained more loss from items damaged in the break-in than in stolen merchandise, Yarbrough said. The thief also did damage at Cripple Creek, kicking in the front door to gain entry. The cash register was taken from the restaurant, but there was no currency inside.

Yarbrough said police are tying up some loose ends before making an arrest.

"We’re following a few leads and are nearing filing charges in the case," he said.

—–

To see more of the Athens Daily Review or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.athensreview.com/.

Copyright (c) 2008, Athens Daily Review, Texas

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.