Two Effingham residents have been arrested in connection with the recent vehicle burglaries in the area. However, Effingham Police say there could be more involved.
19-year-old Nathaniel T. Martin and 20-year-old Ryan A. Harris, both of Effingham were arrested Monday by Effingham Police after they were seen entering vehicles in the parking located in the 1200th block of N. Merchant. Each was charged with Burglary, a class 2 Felony.
Effingham has recently seen a rash of burglaries from vehicles, residences, and businesses. Police continue to investigate theses crimes. Interim Effingham Police Chief Mike Schutzbach credited local authorities for their work as well as the citizens who reported the recent activity that led to the two arrests.
More than half of the burglaries from vehicles occurred to cars that were left unlocked. Simply locking the doors and following these tips from the Effingham Police Department can help reduce the chance of being burglarized.
- Do not leave vehicles unlocked, even when parked in a driveway or garage.
- Do not leave keys in unattended vehicles (including spare keys, keys to a residence or business, etc).
- Do not leave valuables in sight which may tempt others to break in. This includes loose change, purses, billfolds, cellular phones, laptops or other electronic devices.
The Police also offered advice for keeping residences and other permanent structures safe.
- Install motion detection lights.
- Utilize an alarm system.
- Lock all doors and windows.
- Keep all garage doors closed and locked, including the one from the garage to inside the home.
- Get to know your neighbors.
- Leave a radio or television on when not home.
Police continue to encourage residents to report suspicious activity or contact them with any information regarding the recent burglaries. The Effingham Police Department can be reached at 217-347-0774. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers at 217-34-SOLVE (217-342-6583).