By Michael Howell
A rash of commercial burglaries of main street businesses in Stevensville may be coming to an end following the recent arrest of two juveniles.
According to Stevensville Police Chief James Marble, a total of nine burglaries of commercial establishments in Stevensville took place between January 19 and this September. Marble said that two juveniles have been arrested in relation to the crimes and two more arrests would probably be made in the near future. Marble said that the thieves took mostly money and a few valuable items like computer equipment, and also took some food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages.
The Chief gave a community presentation this summer at the height of the spree, urging business owners to take precautions, such as installing surveillance cameras, using heavy safes for locking up cash and other valuable items at night, and upgrading doors, windows and locks.
“I am urging business people not to be complacent,” said Marble. He said that the times have changed from what it was like in this community just a decade ago and crime sprees like this will probably happen again.
A number of businesses in Hamilton were also recently burglarized, according to City Police Officer Dan Altschwager, who is investigating the crimes. Seven businesses were burglarized, according to Altschwager, most likely on the night of Friday, October 14, or early in the morning of the 15th. It is not believed that the burglaries are connected to the ones that were taking place in Stevensville, but it is believed that they are connected to each other due to certain similarities.
The Hamilton businesses that were burglarized include Ravalli Services Thrift Store, Ravalli County Back Roads Cider, Stranahan’s Fly Shop, Bitterroot Beanery, Freestone Fly Shop, and the Greek Gyros Express.
Another business just outside the city limits was also burglarized and is under investigation by the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office and two vehicle break-ins in the city may or may not be related to the other crimes.
Anyone with information about the burglaries can call the Hamilton Police Department at 363-2100 or Crimestoppers at 363-0062.