Rash of thefts probed in Tamaqua

Tamaqua police are investigating a number of thefts reported to the department on Sunday.

Daniel Reigel, 60, of 245 W. Rowe St., reported the theft of tools and plumbing supplies from his 1998 Chevrolet utility van. The truck was parked at the rear of Reigel's property on Saturday and was last known to be secure at 11:30 p.m. Reigel discovered the theft and reported it after 5 a.m. Sunday.

Taken from the vehicle was approximately $7,000 in equipment, including tool boxes, saws, drill bits, chisels and assorted other tools. A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible persons.

At 12:37 p.m. Sunday, Maxine Houser, 62, of 224 Brown St., called police to report that someone had entered her Chevrolet station wagon, which had been parked in the area of 103 Gay St. Missing items included a Kenwood Excelon Kut-696, a black/silver IPad and cable, an Alpine amp, and a silver Sony Xplod 12.

The theft reports kept coming, as John Foster, 42, of 240 Brown St., called at 3:50 p.m. to report that his daughter's 20 inch, single speed bike had been taken from the back of his truck.

While speaking with Foster the officer was approached by Christopher Kranch, 49, of 256 Brown St., who also reported that someone entered his vehicle, a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick. The vehicle had been parked and secured at 2:30 a.m. that day. Missing was an undetermined amount of loose change and a 100 piece Craftsman tool kit.

At 4:25 p.m., officers heard from Robert Rossi, 40, of 126 Clay St. Rossi had been working on a building at 201 Clay St. that afternoon, placing a large grey tool bag on the sidewalk at approximately 3 p.m. The bag contained three cordless drills and a circular saw. Sometime between 3 and 4 p.m. someone took the bag and tools.

Hearing about the rash of thefts from vehicles in the area, Rossi later checked his own vehicle and discovered it too had been entered. The center console area and tachometer were damaged and several lottery tickets were missing. In a strange twist, Rossi discovered items in the back seat that did not belong to him. They included an owner's manual for a 2009 Ford F150 and a hunter safety kit.

Officers determined the found items actually were owned by Rossi's neighbor, Jason Benner, of 114 Clay St.

Police Chief Dave Mattson warns residents to make sure their vehicles are locked.