Sheriff Jim Hammond said a new "Power Team" in his department has helped curb burglaries.
Officials said, "When an increase in the number of burglaries, thefts and thefts from vehicles was noticed after viewing a HCSO crime analysis report, the decision was made to start a 'Power Team,' that would support the patrol division in the unincorporated areas of Hamilton County. This team would include deputies from the patrol division, criminal investigation division, fugitive and narcotics.
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The team started on Nov. 16, 2011, and covered all the unincorporated area of Hamilton County. During this time the team was able to indentify several known individuals with warrants for theft and burglaries. Another objective was to increase visibility in subdivisions throughout the county as well as to attempt to slow down or stop any criminal activity. As a result of their efforts the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office experienced a 58 percent decrease in reported thefts and burglaries, officials said.
The team worked through December 2011 with the final results reporting 116 arrests, 11 narcotics seizures, two vehicle seizures, two weapons seized along with $3, 750.00 cash seized.
Sheriff Hammond said, "I am extremely pleased with the final results of the work done by the deputies and detectives assigned to complete the special assignment."