By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
NILES – At the last meeting of the Niles Township Board, Tammy Youngs announced she was running for treasurer.
At last night's meeting she posed some tough questions for the board.
Youngs questioned whether or not members of the board were aware of multiple incidents of breaking and entering that have been taking place within the township. Those incidents, according to Youngs, included a break-in on Bell Road and two break-ins on Bond Street.
Were board members aware of the incidents -and should the community be doing anything in particular to keep an eye out for those responsible, Youngs asked.
"We are aware of it," said current treasurer James Ringler, who ran Monday night's meeting in the absence of Supervisor William Myers.
Other members of the board acknowledged the incidents as well – although there was some question as to just how many have taken place. Ringler said he was aware of one incident on Bell Road and one incident on Bond Street.
But trustee Kevin Tonkin was more than aware. Tonkin admitted being a victim of one of the recent break-ins himself. In addition to having some property stolen, Tonkin said that the perpetrators left a side-burner to his grill turned on.
"So they're not only doing break-ins, but they're being malicious," Tonkin said.
According to what Tonkin said he was told by police, those committing the crimes are knocking on doors of potential victims to see if anyone is home. When no one is home, they're breaking down the doors.
What police advised Tonkin, he said, was to make sure to let anyone approaching your home know you're home. But don't answer the door.
"Be very vigilant," Tonkin added.
"It would be nice, I guess, as a community to know what to look for," responded a concerned Youngs.
"I think it's important even if it's a minor thing, to let police know what's going on," said Ringler.
Ringler also made mention of the recent increase in incidents and arrests surrounding 'scrapping' and the theft of scrap metal that can be turned in for cash. "Unfortunately, the economy plays a huge role…. These are obviously desperate people who will steal anything to turn it into a dollar," he said.
There was no resolution. And the issue is just another for the board to consider as they get closer and closer to the need to decide the future of police coverage for the township. That issue has not yet been resolved. While members of the board acknowledged the incidents, like the residents of Niles Township, there seemed to be little they could do but be aware.
It may take one or two being caught, Ringler said, to discourage other incidents. But, he said, "I don't know even if that will do it."