Authorities are continuing to probe a series of break-ins, burglaries and thefts last month in Southern Portage County, and are reminding residents to keep their vehicles, homes, sheds and garages locked overnight.

The Portage County Sheriff's Office reported in early December it had seen an increase in thefts and attempted thefts from vehicles in the area, along with "several home invasions at night in the area as well." The reports came from Edinburg, Atwater and Randolph.

Detectives are continuing to work the case, and have not received any similar reports in the past two weeks, Sheriff David Doak said Friday.

"We are still actively working the case," he said. "We are still urging folks to report any suspicious activity and keep their homes, vehicles and out-buildings locked."

One victim of a recent home invasion was Randolph resident Tracy Hensley.

Hensley, who lives in the 5000 block of Waterloo Road, said someone broke into her house sometime before 3 a.m. Dec. 12 while she was asleep. They stole her purse, which she said was only a foot away from her in her bedroom. She was not harmed and the suspect or suspects escaped. 

The break-in left Hensley feeling that her privacy had been "seriously violated," as well as "frustrated" and "sick," she said. She said she spent one late night after the burglary wandering around her yard with a flashlight, "hoping" the burglars had left her purse behind somewhere in the yard.

Hensley has since had her locks changed and taken other precautions to protect herself, she said. She said she has since heard stories about "four or five" other break-ins in the township.

Now, when she hears a loud noise, "I think 'Is that something or is that nothing?'"

Police encourage homeowners to make sure all their doors and windows are locked, that their valuables including keys, phones, wallets and purses are secured inside their homes and that their car doors are locked.

Doak said residents are encouraged not to feel bad about "bothering" deputies with suspicions, but to call 911 if they see anything out of the ordinary. Anyone with any information on the crimes also may call the sheriff’s office at 330-296-5100 or 330-297-3890.

Hensley said she also encourages her fellow residents to stay safe and keep a sharp eye out for suspicious activity.

"Take extra precaution, because if your house is unlocked, they will go into your house," she said. "I just feel that people need to know."

dobrien@recordpub.com

330-298-1128