Police Seek Public Vigilance To Combat Crime in Chippewa County

An increase in breaking and entering of homes, businesses, and vehicles has been reported by all police agencies in Chippewa County, and they are asking for public vigilance to help deter further crime, reported Chippewa County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Peppler Wednesday, January 4.

"We are asking you to take precautions to protect your homes, businesses, and vehicles and to be alert to unusual traffic and activity," Mr. Peppler said in a written statement. "Please lock your vehicles up, remove the keys, and remove items from view such as cell phones, CD players, cash, or any other valuables. Close your garage doors when away or at night."

"It is frustrating that we have to live and react like this, but the reality is there are those in our community that lack the basic respect for other people and their property," Mr. Peppler continued. "The motivation seems to range from the desire to maintain their drug or alcohol use, to just greed."

While some arrests have been made in connection with these crimes, many more are still under investigation, Mr. Peppler said, and he urged citizens to report any unusual activities to police, writing down license plate numbers and descriptions of individuals or vehicles whenever possible.