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Sheriff: 'Alarm systems are good'

Vernon County, Kansas, along with several of the surrounding counties, has experienced a rash of smash-and-grab burglaries since the end of May according to Vernon County Sheriff Ron Peckman. 

"Vernon County and the surrounding counties have been having a lot of kick in the door and grab stuff type burglaries, mainly during daylight hours out in the county," Peckman said. "It's mainly things they can carry off and get rid of easily -- electronics, guns, things like that." 

The highest number of such crimes recently reported has been Vernon County, but the surrounding counties are being affected as well. 

"Since the last day of May there have been eight in Vernon County," Peckman said. "The surrounding counties have had four or five each." 

The descriptions of possible suspects and crimes are slightly different in each county but the possibility exists that the crimes are connected and a single group is responsible, 

"In Vernon County we're looking for an old-style Crown Vic, or possibly a Grand Marquis -- the ones that are boxy. It could possibly be white in color," Peckman said. "In Cedar (County) they're looking for a black, '90s Cadillac and in Bourbon (County) they're looking for either a white Suburban or a black pickup." 

Peckman said evidence has been sent to the crime lab for processing and he is awaiting the results. 

"We picked up several pieces of evidence that had been thrown out at one scene and at another we got some more," Peckman said. 

Peckman said that neighbors can make a difference by keeping their eyes and ears open. 

"Be a good neighbor," Peckman said. "Be on the lookout for suspicious activity and get a description of the vehicle and the license number." 

He also had advice for someone who came home to find a break-in. 

"If you come up and find a break-in, leave things as they are so we can process the evidence," Peckman said. "We went out to one and they had cleaned up and put everything away. I can understand why they would do that but it destroys the value of the evidence." 

To help prevent a break-in Peckman said residents should consider a burglar alarm, even if all they can afford is an inexpensive one. 

"Alarm systems are good, they don't have to be the kind that calls in," Peckman said. "Even a cheap one that just sounds a horn will attract attention -- and that's what they don't want -- are good."