Warden suffers crimes over weekend

Two businesses burglarized

WARDEN — A series of crimes marred Labor Day weekend for Warden residents as burglaries, vehicle prowls and vandalism were discovered by Monday morning.

Warden Police received calls reporting burglaries at Five Foods Grocery and the local liquor store, a van stolen, two vehicles having rear windows broken and stereos stolen from two unlocked cars on Main Street, according to Warden Police Sgt. Rick Martin.

"We don't usually have crimes like this. They are often far and few between," said Martin. "It is very unusual."

Burglars pushed in an air conditioner at the grocery store and stole cigarettes, reported Warden Police Chief Ken Krebs. He said the burglary took place at night on Sept. 1.

A wooden door to a storage room was broken open next to the liquor store and thieves stole two cases of hard liquor on Sept. 3, according to Martin.

A private van was also stolen from the school parking lot, but it was located high-centered in a soccer field. Martin said two other vehicles in the parking lot were damaged by vandalism when their windows were smashed.

Martin added stereos were stolen from two unlocked vehicles parked on Main Street Sunday night.

"It appears to be vandalism that took a turn," he said.

Crime sprees like the one taking place over the weekend are rare, Martin added.

"It doesn't take a whole lot of people to create this kind of crime in a small town," he said.

Preliminary estimates of the damages from the Labor Day weekend crimes are $6,000, but Martin said the amount should change when repair estimates for the vehicles are obtained.

Warden Police continue to investigate the crimes and are attempting to contact the owner of the van, said Martin.