HANCOCK CO., KY (WFIE) -
There's growing concern in Hancock County about a growing number of theft and vandalism cases. The Sheriff's Office says it's gotten worse in the past six months.
"It's getting pretty bad," said Vastwood Park Manager Bobbie Jackson.
Break-ins and vandalism cases involving several churches started six months ago.
"They do a lot more ransacking and a lot more damage than they get," said Hancock County Sheriff Dale Bozarth.
The thieves slowed down for a while, but Sheriff Bozarth says they're at it again.
"They break the glass the come through and break into this office," Jackson recalled.
This time, vandals hit two churches, a business and Vastwood Park.
"They take what money and change is in here, and they also just scatter old records and papers all over the place," said Jackson.
Jackson says the break-ins are getting old "We have to order three solid steel doors."
Sheriff Bozarth says deputies continue to make more rounds during the late night and early morning hours.
"We're making more patrols at Vastwood, it's a place we patrolled heavily because of the break-ins at the beach house and concession stands."
Jackson says thieves have damaged their buildings four times already this year and hope to install security systems and hire a security guard.
"It would help apprehend them and that's what I'm wanting someone to catch them."
And deputies hope to put an end to this trend.
"Seems like they know where we are more than we know where they are," said Sheriff Bozarth.
Anyone with information about these thefts and vandalism is asked to call the Hancock County Sheriff's Office Tip Line at 270-927-6247.
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Sheriff Bozarth says deputies continue to make more rounds during the late night and early morning hours.
