Burglaries increase here during holiday season


West Plains Propane office manager Chrystal Meek said whoever burglarized the facility Tuesday, Dec. 5, caused substantial damage, including this broken glass door, but only got away with two checks made out to West Plains Propane. Photo courtesy Chrystal Meek.

Ozark County Sheriff Darrin Reed warns local residents that burglaries and thefts are on the rise, a trend that typically can be seen nationwide from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.

“Please be aware of your surroundings, and lock your vehicles,” Reed posted on his Facebook page. “If you see anything suspicious, please call me.”

According to this week’s Ozark County Sheriff’s report, two burglaries occurred last week at area businesses and another was reported at a local school.

On Tuesday, Dec. 5, a burglary was reported at Gainesville Ag Supply at 7:36 a.m. and another burglary was reported at West Plains Propane at 8:05 a.m. the same day. A burglary at Lutie School was reported Sunday morning. Additional details in these cases will be reported when charges are filed in the cases. 

Anyone who has information about these incidents or is aware of other suspicious activity is asked to call the Ozark County Sheriff’s Department at 417-679-4633.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423