For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1400020 |
| Date Issued: | Mar 07, 2014 - 5:36pm |
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Sheriff's Deputies arrest two metal theft suspects following tip from alert neighbor |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
Washoe County Sheriff's Office Deputies arrested two women on burglary charges Thursday after an alert neighbor reported suspicious activity at a vacant house on Shadow Lane in Sparks.
In the afternoon of Thursday, March 6, 2014, Sheriff Patrol Deputies were dispatched to a house in the 7600 block of Shadow Lane to investigate a citizen's report of a strange vehicle in the driveway and noises coming from within a home that was supposed to have been unoccupied.
Deputies found Julia Ann Soukup, age 52, and Melissa Kay Davis, age 46 at the house. Upon further investigation, Deputies determined that the women were in the process of trying to cut and remove copper pipes from the house. Both women were taken into custody and booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility on Thursday evening.
"This is a perfect example of the Sheriff's Office ongoing partnership with our community in action," Washoe County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Bob Harmon said. "A burglary was stopped and two suspects taken into custody because a citizen did the right thing and contacted law enforcement when he saw something suspicious taking place in their neighborhood."
Metal thieves commonly target remote or unoccupied locations and attempt their crimes at times when homeowners are away from home. Residents are asked to stay alert and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. Look, listen and let someone know.
Metal theft prevention continues to be part of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office ongoing commitment to public safety and security. The following tips from the Staying Safe page of WashoeSheriff.com will help protect against metal theft:
- Secure foundation openings in the crawl space of your house with a good hasp and padlock.
- If possible, build a small chain link fence or cage enclosures around the outside portions of your commercial fixtures, heating and cooling systems.
- Don't store scrap metals outside, or within view.
- Contact local law enforcement if you see any suspicious activity.
- Check your business and residential properties regularly.
- Keep a close eye on your irrigation systems and on vacant homes and businesses in your neighborhood.
photo 1: Julia Ann Soukup
photo 2: Melissa Kay Davis
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.