Two More Unlocked Vehicles Rummaged Through in Watkinsville

Two unlocked vehicles in Watkinsville became late Saturday night.

A Jeep Wrangler parked on Southland Drive was entered and a Droid X cell phone valued at $500 was stolen, according to a weekly news release from Chief Lee O'Dillon. A thief also opened the doors of a Dodge Ram on Concord Drive and removed a purse containing cash, debit cards, and a wedding ring, he said, adding that investigators were looking into leads.

In an open email to residents using the Mayor Joe Walter said are some of the easiest crimes to prevent. 

"Do not leave any items of value or temptation in a parked vehicle and make sure the doors are locked," he wrote.  "A motion light or yard light near your driveway in combination with a locked car containing no items of value presents a layered deterrent to a potential thief."

Walter urged residents to call police at the first sign of any suspicious activity to help curb crime.

"A neighborhood that calls the police when they see or hear something suspicious or out of the ordinary adds yet another layer of protection," he wrote.

Call 706-769-7891 to reach the police department. Chief Lee O’Dillon may also be reached by email at lodillon@cityofwatkinsville.com.

O'Dillon recapped some of the other incidents that police responded to during the week ending Aug. 14.

Domestic Situation:  Officers stood by at a Jacob Drive address in the Christian Lake Subdivision on Aug. 8. An estranged couple was arguing over belongings. 

Domestic Situation: Police arrive at a Concord Drive around 11 a.m. on Aug 8 following a report of a juvenile arguing with family members.  The teenage boy's parents were contacted.

Hit and Run: A black Ford Expedition struck a parked 2007 Toyota Rav-4 at 31 Greensboro Highway and drove away around 8:40 a.m. on Aug. 10. No one was injured but the Rav-4 was damaged.

Domestic Situation: Police were called to a VFW Drive duplex around 11:30 a.m. on Aug 11 where an estranged couple was arguing.   The parties involved had to be separated.

Domestic Situation: An argument inside a parked car near the Oconee County Health Department led to police being called around 6:30 p.m. on Aug 11. A 19-year-old man was escorted to a friend's house and an 18-year-old woman returned to her Watkinsvillle home.

Argument: Police were called to a North Main Street address about 2 a.m. on Aug. 12 where an argument over food stamps was taking place.  Officers advised the individuals involved to contact the Oconee County Department Of Family And Children Services.

Watkinsville police responded to a total of 32 calls within city limits between Monday, Aug. 8 and Sunday, Aug. 14.