WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio – A 13-year-old has been detained in connection with a vehicle break-in investigation in West Chester, according to a township spokeswoman.
At 2:15 a.m. Monday, police responded to The Villas at Kingswood duplex complex on Kingswood Drive, between Dukes and Mary Beth.
Brianna Wooten, a township spokeswoman, said that a newspaper delivery person reported seeing something suspicious.
West Chester police blocked off Kingswood Drive on both ends, set up drones, and dispatched a K-9 to locate the suspect(s).
An Ohio State Highway Patrol cruiser arrived to offer backup.
This is the same area where chase suspects abandoned a stolen vehicle last month, close to Lake Shore Drive.
In that case, three suspects fled the vehicle.
Police closed Kingswood Drive, which is located between Dukes and Mary Beth drives.
A 13-year-old was also detained and arrested in that case.
Wooten declined early Monday to say whether the new investigation is related to the stolen vehicle case and its 13-year-old suspect.
Residents are generally advised not to leave keys and valuables in vehicles and to lock car doors at night, she said.
Residents can also sign up to register their security (Ring) cameras with the West Chester Police Department, Wooten explained.
It’s simple; just click on this link on the township’s website: https://www.westchesteroh.org/government/police/public-feedback/register-a-security-cam.
Providing your information does not grant the police direct access to your camera or its video/audio, but it does allow them to expedite investigations, according to Wooten.
“It can be very helpful for our investigations,” she told me.
According to the township website, the police will keep all personal information confidential unless a court order requires disclosure.
If a crime occurs near your camera and you are asked to share video/audio with the West Chester Police Department, you may decline.
Participants in the WCPD Security Camera Alliance are free to leave a residence or place of business at any time.
This digital “neighborhood watch” program aims to reduce crime in the community, according to the township’s website.
Registration is free and voluntary.
With questions or concerns, please contact the West Chester Police Department Community Affairs Unit at (513) 759-7260 or CommunityAffairs@WestChesterOH.org.
