February 5, 2018

Residents in the Lake Oconee area need to be aware that there has been a sudden increase in cases of “Entering Auto” (title of the Georgia crime for unlawfully stealing something from a motor vehicle) and Burglary in the last couple of weeks.

There have been more than 30 incidents that we believe are related here in the Lake Oconee area of Putnam County just in the last 17 days, with 9 incidents happening in Cuscowilla on the night of January 28th.  We are aware that there have been even more incidents which recently occurred in Greene County inside Reynolds and Dell Webb. Last night there were multiple incidents in Sebastian Cove, Thunder Valley, Great Waters, and the Collis Circle.

Evidence that we have gathered in the gated communities reveals the perpetrator(s) typically steal a golf cart or ATV from a residence, and then use it as their mode of transportation to commit their crimes and haul the stolen property away.  All of the incidents in Putnam have occurred in the early morning hours usually between 1:00AM and 4:00AM.  With the exception of a small motorcycle, an ATV, and a leaf blower, all of the property stolen in these crimes was taken from unlocked cars left in driveways or parked inside garages. Most cars and trucks were unlocked, but the perpetrator did forcibly break the window to gain entry into one automobile. They are taking firearms, wallets, purses, cash, laptops, cameras, and similar items from the vehicles.  

I strongly urge all citizens to not leave any valuables inside their cars or trucks when unattended, and to keep their vehicles and homes (including their garages) locked when they are away and at night even when they are at home. 

Please report any incident that you discover even if nothing was stolen from you.  I further ask that you call my office and immediately report any suspicious person(s) or activity, especially such activity that you might observe late at night or in the early morning hours.   

Just dial 911.  We never close.

Howard R. Sills, Sheriff

Putnam County, Georgia

Eatonton, GA  31024-3637

(706) 485-8557