Warwick Police urge residents to lock garages and sheds

By: News Staff

news@abc6.com

WARWICK, R.I. – The Warwick Police Department has recommended that residents lock their sheds and garages due an alarming report that there have been 79 thefts since June.

Police said there has been an increasing trend over the last few months of larcenies from unattached buildings in residential areas, many of which have been unlocked, but some have been entered with force.

What has been taken is mostly stolen lawn tools and motorized equipment.

This compounds the problem of thieves stealing anything of metal from residents’ yards, truck beds, etc.

“Forced entry into an unattached outbuilding is not a Breaking and Entering felony charge in Rhode Island. It is classified as a misdemeanor larceny unless the stolen items are valued over $1,500,” police wrote on their Facebook page.

Authorities recommend keeping an outdoor light on the unattached building, and to call police if anything seems suspicious.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016