Police Offer $1,000 Reward to Help Stop Unusual Rash of Crime

LONDON MILLS - Police are offering a lot of money to help put an end to a rash of crime.

It's been a rough week for Daniel Boyer.  Last Sunday, someone broke into his London Mills tire shop.

 "I noticed the locks on the door were bent around. And when I got inside there was a bunch of tools and stuff --they didn't take anything--just like money and stuff," he said.  

But Boyer says he feels less safe, especially since he wasn't alone.

 Another business and the post office were broken into last week. Also two cars were stolen. One vehicle has since been found, and the other is still missing.    "Local law enforcement or whatever, the probably need to do some more patrolling at night around here you know. You see them all the day during the day, but never around at night," said Boyer.  

 "Small town policing is difficult to have enough resources. We're trying to staff it the best we can," said Sgt. Jim Record of the London Mills  Police Department.  

Record says that's why police are reaching out to the community. Local and federal police are offering $1,000 to anyone who can help catch the person responsible.

"Not only would you get the benefit of the reward, but you would make a difference in the community in turning that in," said Record.  

Police think that some simple steps by residents could have prevented some of the recent events  

"You feel comfortable in a small town, which you should, but let's not lose sight of the fact that you could be taken advantage of," said Record.  

Police say unlocked doors and unattended keys are too common in small towns and make residents vulnerable. Boyer says his placed was locked, and even so, nothing like this ever happens in London Mills.

"Once in a great while something small might happen, but you know, people's vehicles being stolen, homes getting broken into--it just doesn't happen," he said.  

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Fulton County Sheriff's Office at (309) 547-2277.