Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Police are investigating two burglaries that occurred between Sept. 18 and 19 at the landfill and transfer station.
The Presque Isle Police Department received a call at about 7:24 a.m. Sept. 19 from an employee at the landfill advising someone had broken into the office sometime the night before. Officer Kevin Reed responded to investigate. Police believe the individual(s) gained access to the facility sometime between 6 p.m. on Sept. 18 and 5 a.m. Sept. 19. The perpetrators were thought to have entered the facility on foot. Once inside, some form of tool was used to pry the window open to gain entry to the office, as well as both utility shops’ side doors. Police indicated several items were taken from the landfill.
“We had two break-ins that were discovered Wednesday morning. Copper items were the target at the landfill, along with cash and tools,” said Det. Sgt. Wayne Selfridge, who investigated the transfer station incident.
Selfridge said the same method was used to gain entry to the transfer station. He believes the same individual(s) were involved in that case as well.
“It was probably the same people who broke into the transfer station, gaining entry through a window. As with the landfill incident, tools and cash were taken in the second break-in. Wire was also taken, but what the thieves probably thought was copper was actually regular wire,” said Selfridge.
Selfridge said a combined total of approximately $300 was taken from the two sites. Evidence was collected at both scenes.
“Through crime scene forensics, we discovered evidence that may lead us to the suspects.
The cases remain under investigation.
Selfridge said anyone with information can report it by calling the PIPD at 764-4476.
“They can also call Crimestoppers at 800-638-8477 (800-638-TIPS). They don’t need to leave their name and could be eligible for a reward,” said Selfridge.
