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Batavia announces one arrest in auto break-ins

By Howard B. Owens

One person has been arrested, and one suspect is still at large, in a rash of vehicle break-ins in the City of Batavia over the past month, the Batavia Police Department said this afternoon.

In a press release, the police department indicated the break-ins are ongoing -- if they can be called break-ins -- because most of the times, the cars hit have been unlocked over night.

In most cases, GPS systems and other electronics as well as money and personal checks have been stolen.

Police investigators continue to urge people to lock their vehicles and not leave anything of value insides. GPS units are of particular interest to the thieves.

The name of the suspect arrested was not released.

Tips that might lead to the arrest of suspects can be called into 345-6350 or Det. Kevin Czora at 345-6311.

UPDATE: I asked Det. Czora if the name of the suspect already in custody could be released and he said he is withholding the name while the investigation is in progress.  The release of the name, he said, could jeopardize the eventual capture of the second suspect.

I also asked him about the suggestion brought up in comments on The Batavian when we reported on these burglaries last month that the police try a sting operation, and he said that wouldn't necessarily work in this case because the thieves are operating throughout the city. Their complete M.O. is to seek targets of opportunity -- unlocked cars -- which Czora said are numerous throughout the city.

"If we could just get people to start locking their cars and keeping their valuables out of their cars, it would be slimmer pickings," he said.

Howard B. Owens

Chris, it shouldn't be appalling. It should be charming. It should be the character of a healthy community. In a community where there is mutual trust, locks are unnecessary.

A couple of decades ago, when I visited Provo, Utah, having lived my entire life in San Diego, I was surprised and awed by the fact that nobody ever locked their front doors.

It's a shame that there are people out there who take advantage of the trust that should be implicit in living in any community to benefit their own selfish interest.

These thieves are doing more than stealing a few GPS devices. They're stealing trust.

Jul 14, 2009, 7:37am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

If there are thieves on a Navy ship with only 300 people on it willing to steal everything from underwear to irons, there are going to be thieves in every part of society.

Jul 14, 2009, 7:39am Permalink
Karen Miconi

Chris, it used to be ok to leave your vechicle unlocked, but, this was years ago. Now its not so safe, as there are all types walking around at night. I caught one of them at 2am one morning going through my neighbors car{which was unlocked}. I first yelled to him, in a mans voice, then when he took off, I followed him in my car, and called police. I pulled up to him, got a good look at him, and continued to follow him across Main, to the cemetary on Harvester. Needless to say, the cops never found him. I'll bet he'll never try to steal from my neck of the woods again. He was a young, short, blonde boy, with lots of jewelery, and piercings.

Jul 14, 2009, 9:00am Permalink
Karen Miconi

Awww whats up Beth. Yah, some of these issues get me going. I am an awesome neighbor to have, and I've been thanked by many over the years. I've caught repo guys, the oldest crack dealer ever caught in Batavia, theives, animal abusers, criminals on parole, up to no good{ I might add they were put back in prison}, after trying to burn down a house in the neighborhood, a man with a loaded pistal, pointing it in the direction of the Middle School, an abusive, scorned exhusband paying a visit to his wife with a gun in his truck, litterbugs on my video cam, ugg it goes on and on. I've rented for almost 16 years from the same wonderful people. If you add it up, we have payed for this house. I do all the yard work, and might I add Happily, have a beautiful home, and take much pride in my life and family. Some day I will live in the country on our piece of land and live out the rest of my years, but for now we are ok. Mike and I own Monsenior Kirbys{ St Anthonys} old boy scout camp, 6 acres in Elba. Sad though even the country isnt safe from theives.

Jul 14, 2009, 9:22am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

Repo men should not be stopped, they aren't the ones not paying the loan.

Sounds like you have your nose in too many other people's business.

Jul 14, 2009, 9:30am Permalink
Karen Miconi

OK Peter, and you arent.. Laughable.. I can see your looking for your daily argument, but guess what buddy, I have better things to do. Do You Ever Sleep?? LOL Have a great day.

Jul 14, 2009, 10:49am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

11-5 usually is sleeping time.

I don't go around and find people littering with a video camera. That's just ridiculous. You obviously don't have better things to do.

Jul 14, 2009, 11:02am Permalink
Karen Miconi

Oh, Ok When its all over your yard, and the ones who own it, drive over it in the street all day, and dont pick it up??? Peter are you a litterbug?? LOL Put-up yer-dukes, Tee-heee Obviously you dont have anything better to do than sit on the computer all day, and night, and swoop in on everyone blogging on a Public forum.

Jul 14, 2009, 11:08am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

and night? how often do I post after 3:30?

I just run over the litter in my yard with the lawn mower. It matters not to me.

And no I currently don't. If I did I would be doing it. But until Engineering finishes initial development of the new product I am stuck with nothing to do.

Jul 14, 2009, 11:12am Permalink
Karen Miconi

Peter you crack me up! Shut off the computer, and get outside and enjoy the sun and nice weather. Its summer, and its going by so fast.. Peace

Jul 14, 2009, 11:16am Permalink
Andrew Erbell

"I've caught repo guys,"

Caught them doing what - enforcing the ramifications of the buyer's failure to abide by a signed contract? There's absolutely nothing illegal about that.

Jul 14, 2009, 11:46am Permalink
Tyler Hall

Karen if you move to the country, what will you do with your time? There arn't a lot of repo guys, or crack dealers, or theives, or animal abusers, or criminals on parole, or arsonists, or columbine shooters outside of schools with loaded guns, or wife beats, or litterbugs. Seems to me, you wouldn't know what to do with all your free time.

Jul 14, 2009, 11:49am Permalink
Jeff Allen

Beth writes : I guess sometimes it pays to have Gladys Kravitz for your next door neighbor:)
Mrs. Kravitz with motion activated flood lighting and a loaded shotgun, now that intrigues me!

Jul 14, 2009, 4:57pm Permalink

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