Thefts, Vanalism
on the rise in area
by Eric Freeman

Posted 5/18/01

A sharp rise in reported thefts and vandalism has caught the attention of the Milaca Police Department in the past two weeks, leading the department to stress the importance of area residents to keep their vehicles and homes locked and report any suspicious activity observed to the police department.

"Since the weather turned warm we have had a rash of thefts and vandalism," said Milaca Police Chief Mike Mott. "Reports of nearly a dozen thefts have come in just in the past couple of weeks.

"We are investigating numerous calls regarding petty thefts from vehicles including the theft of several cell phones, jewelry, and wallets."

There was a report of candy stolen from the concession stand at Recreation Park.

A plant was taken from Milaca Floral & Gifts and the floral shopís greenhouse was vandalized last Thursday.

"Some of the thefts are directly related to the recent city-wide garage sale," said Mott.

"The classified section of the newspaper can become something like a shopping list for a certain type of criminal looking for specific types of items.

"Weíre confident that we will be able to investigate these cases successfully," said Mott.

"The most important things residents can do to help protect themselves and reduce this activity is to lock their vehicle doors and lock their homes at night and report any suspicious activity immediately," said Mott.

To report suspicious activity call the police department from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 320-983-6166.

To make a report after regular business hours call Mille Lacs County Dispatch at 320-983-8257, or in the case of an emergency dial 911.