Ephrata break-ins could be connected

Motor homes at two storage facilities broken into

EPHRATA - Ephrata police believe recent break-ins at two storage facilities on Basin Street are connected.

In both cases, someone entered the properties through back gates and targeted motor homes parked outside of storage units, said Ephrata Police Chief Joe Varick.

Police have sent undisclosed evidence found at Yenney Mini Storage to the state crime lab where latent fingerprints may be recovered, Varick said. Footprints were also found at Yenney's, he said.

The first break-in was reported Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Beezley Store-All where the back fence was cut open. Six RV trailers and one enclosed camper were broken into, Varick said.

One of Beezley's owners, Tim Sieverkropp, said the gate to his business was cut open about 18 months ago too.

"It isn't a random thing, it's been happening more and more and more," Sieverkropp said.

He also said solving the break-ins does not appear to be a high priority with police.

On Saturday, the second break-in was reported after someone jumped two back-fences at nearby Yenney Mini Storage, where about 10 boats or motor homes were broken into, said owner Ron Yenney.

Varick said the door latches at Yenney's were broken on the motorhomes and a missing flat screen TV, a DVD player and folding camp chairs were reported stolen.

In addition to the thefts, Yenney's green 1997 Chevrolet pickup was hot-wired and driven out the front gate after someone cut the chain that activates the security system, Yenney said. The pickup is still missing.

"They knew what they were doing," he said.

His checkbook was also taken from the pickup's glove-box. Since then, someone has tried to write checks outside the state using his closed account, he said.

To report information about the break-ins, call 509-754-2491 or 509-762-1160.