Burglaries increase throughout Warren County

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower says for years now, while the county’s population has grown, Warren County’s burglary numbers increased.

Despite a drop in burglaries due to Covid-19 in 2020, last year’s county burglary numbers exceeded 2019’s.

“As we grow in people, there’s just going to be increased numbers in thefts, burglaries and things associated with those,” said Hightower. “It’s just an easy way to make a lot of money in a quick amount of time.”

Hightower’s also seen thefts, like stealing catalytic converters or trailers off vehicles on the rise.

Also porch pirates, people who steal packages off your doorstep, seem to grow all the time.

So who are these people causing crime to rise? Hightower says most of them are actually repeat offenders, more times than not seeking money for drugs… and surprisingly to some, he says a lot of times the burglar is someone you know who’s memorized your patterns.

However, the Bowling Green Police Department says their robbery and burglary crimes tend to fluctuate more. In fact, their robberies and burglaries have dropped recently.

Bowling Green Police Department public information officer Ronnie Ward said, “I think the easiest thing to do is to keep your hands off other people’s stuff. I think it’s a very basic principle. Leave others’ things alone.”

So. what can people do to take precautions?

“My advice is to always use security systems. Use security cameras,” Hightower advised. “If you see something that’s out of place, use 9-1-1 to call us.”

Hightower also says you should light up your home at night and lock your doors.

“See something, say something and secure their items,” Hightower concluded.