Police Investigating Clark Twp. Break-ins
By Amy Polk

More than 20 Clark Township homes and businesses have been invaded or robbed over the past two years, and police say they are working on the complicated task of connecting crimes to suspects to build cases against them.

“A lot of these things take time,” said Lieutenant Curtis Robertson of the Michigan State Police in St. Ignace, noting that State Police did arrest two people in December who were tracked from a home invasion in Cedarville. Whether they were the people responsible for some or most of the break-ins and robberies over the past two years may never be determined, but Lt. Robertson said the number of incidents has slowed since early December.

Residents have been questioning the security of the community as they wait for answers and arrests. They are also worried that the criminals are getting away with the crimes, which they fear may encourage more criminal activity. The Mackinac County Sheriff’s Department has investigated 13 break-ins or thefts at Cedarville and Hessel businesses and homes in 2006. The year-end total for Mackinac County is 80 burglaries and larcenies. In 2005, 67 burglaries and larcenies were reported. In 2004, 40 were reported.

Sheriff Scott Strait said police are making progress on the investigation and urged people to secure their homes to prevent criminal acts against them. He also said factors like a growing population makes rural areas more vulnerable to crime.

“These crimes are happening in places that are remote, are not well lit, or do not have dead-bolt locks,” he said, and others do not have alarm systems.

The Eastern Upper Peninsula has limited resources, so beefing up enforcement in Clark Township is not feasible, he said.

“If you flood one area with police and patrols, you deplete the resources in another area,” he said. “We need to fill the gaps somehow. We need more help, and we need citizens to report incidents right away.”

He added that between the State Police and County Sheriff’s Department there are as many as six officers working on the cases, however, he would not comment on specific aspects of the investigations. The department is handling about 16 percent more cases than in 2005

“Reviewing the year in statistics, we are up. The economy is down, and crime is up,” Sheriff Strait said. “And it’s compounded by the fact that the incidents were so clustered together.”

In one night this fall, for instance, four break-ins occurred, instance, four break-ins occurred, he said. He said the number of people writing checks for nonsufficient funds is also up from 2005, with more than 50 written in 2006. In 2005 the department investigated 30 incidents.

Lieutenant Robertson agrees that there are more than the average number of incidents. Both agencies, including the State Police post in St. Ignace and a detachment in DeTour, are working on the investigation.

“I would encourage people to report any suspicious activity, if they see what looks like a crime happening,” Sheriff Strait said. “Rather than try to handle the crimes on your own, you should call the police, which may help us clear this up. We may be able to link these crimes.”

Sheriff Strait said people are often reluctant to report suspicious activity like loud noises or unusual automobile activity, but they should alert police to such activities. He also stressed that parents and other adults should not try to protect young people seen committing crimes, and rather allow police to make arrests and prosecute criminal matters.

To report crime information, call the Mackinac County Sheriff's Department at 643-1911, Michigan State Police at 643- 8383, the St. Ignace City Police at 643-6077, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Law Enforcement Department in St. Ignace at 643-7100 and in Sault Ste. Marie at (906) 635-6063, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 465- 7867. tips for homes and businesses.

For businesses:

• Exterior doors should be solid wood or metal clad and secured by a sturdy, well installed dead-bolt lock. Glass panels in or near doors should be reinforced to prevent shattering.

• Exterior lights set on motion detectors are a good deterrent to intruders.

• Businesses should leave lights on when the business is closed. It is important to leave the same lights on every night so police can see into the business and so they will know something is wrong if the lights are off or the wrong lights are on.

• Trim shrubs and bushes so there are no places for criminals to hide.

• A simple but effective alarm system can be installed for a minimal cost, and may deter criminals from even attempting a break in.

• Video surveillance systems may be one of the best weapons law enforcement agents have to catch and prosecute thieves. These systems should be professionally installed and secured inside the business or home.

• Cash and other valuables should be secured, not just hidden.

• Use night deposit so that there is not cash in the business after hours.

• Safes and lock boxes should be locked and secured to the building itself.

For homes:

• Lock all windows and doors at night and every time you leave

the house, even if it's just for a few minutes. Teach children and other family members to obey this rule.

• Exterior doors should be solid wood or metal clad and secured by a sturdy, well-installed dead-bolt lock. Glass panels in or near doors should be reinforced to prevent shattering.

• Spare keys should be left with trusted friends or neighbors, not under a doormat or planter.

• Every window should be secured. When windows are open, even just a few inches for ventilation, they should always be locked or pinned, especially firstfloor windows.

• Sliding doors should be secured with a metal bar or wood dowel in the track.

• Use floodlights with motion detectors to eliminate dark places around the house. Be sure entryways are well lighted so that you can see visitors clearly.

• Leave lights on inside your home, possibly on a timer.

• Make sure your house number is clearly displayed so police and emergency services can find your home quickly if necessary.

• Secure gates and storage and shed doors with high-security, laminated padlocks.

• Use high quality locks on bicycles, lawn mowers, and other possessions, or keep them inside a secure garage, shed, or in the home.

• Photograph your furnishings and valuables, such as televisions, stereos, and computers. For identification, record the serial numbers and put a distinctive mark on each item. Check with local police for advice and instruction on the best way to do this.

• Keep a copy of your inventory stored securely off-site. Update it at least once a year.

• Notify a trusted neighbor and friends if you are going to leave your home for an extended period of time.