The Ravalli County sheriff’s Office is investigating a rash of car thefts that took place on on Monday, September 15, in the Stevensville/Florence area. Five separate reports of stolen vehicles were received.
Sheriff’s deputies were able to recover the five vehicles, but they had all sustained damage. All the vehicles that were taken had been left unlocked with the keys inside. Sheriff Chris Hoffman says that the first report came from the area of the Stevensville Creamery Building, and the vehicle was later located in Florence. Another vehicle was then stolen in Florence and recovered near the Stevensville Airport. A third vehicle was stolen in the Store Lane area in Stevensville, and left on Sunnyside Cemetery Road. Two vehicles were stolen from the Sunnyside Cemetery area. One of the vehicles was left near a church off Three Mile Creek Road, and the other was found near the Stevensville Creamery Building.
Since that time more victims have come forward with reports of cars being broken into and items taken but no further reports of stolen vehicles has been received as of Monday, September 22. So far no suspects have been identified.
Sheriff Chris Hoffman is asking that citizens not make it easy for potential thieves. This type of theft can easily be discouraged by remembering to lock your cars and remove any valuables.
The Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the thefts and is asking for the community’s help. If you have any information pertaining to these thefts, call the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office at 363-3033.