The Herald-News - News Story

    While the holidays are typically thought of as a time for family gatherings and gift giving, according to law enforcers, they are also a time of increased criminal activity - especially thefts and burglaries.
    Rhea County Sheriff's Department detective Rocky Potter said crime is up across Rhea County.
    However, he added that although crime is higher, Rhea County has a little less thefts and burglaries than in surrounding counties.
    "Thefts are up, but it's not a bad increase," affirmed Dayton Police Department investigator Darrell Bell. "It always picks up around Christmas."
    A strained economy and numerous layoffs may be a factor in this year's crime increase, according to Bell.
    In addition, holiday shopping circulates more money in the economy, so thieves have more opportunity to lift cash and goods from houses, stores and vehicles, added Rhea County jailer Garland Wilkey.
    One recent theft in Rhea County occurred between 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 6 a.m. on Dec. 17. According to police reports, 12 car radios were stolen from the Drive Away USA used car lot, located at 4569 Rhea County Highway in Dayton.
    Police arrived at the lot at approximately 9:40 a.m. on Dec. 17, after the owner, Adam Sims, reported 12 vehicles were damaged by unknown suspect(s) who had removed the radios by force.
    The Dollar General store in Spring City also suffered losses due to a burglary.
On Dec. 22, Spring City Police officer Brad Collins was alerted that a motion-censor alarm had sounded at the building, located at 23494 Rhea County Highway, at about 3 a.m. that morning.
    Upon arriving on the scene, Collins saw a large hole in the back of the store. When other officers got to the store, they entered the building and found a black safe sitting by the emergency stock room. According to the store manager, the safe had been moved from the office to the stock room.
    Nothing was reported missing from the store, most likely because the alarm went off and scared the suspect, according to police reports.
    Bell warned Rhea Countians to take extra precautions to prevent burglaries and thefts during the holidays.
    "People need to lock their cars and outbuildings and keep valuables out of their cars," said Bell. "It's an easy target."
    Michelle Friesen can be reached at michelle.friesen@rheaheraldnews.com.