Better weather brings more 'crimes of opportunity,' police war

By Lindsay Kite

April 19, 2005 | LOGAN -- Lock your car, lock your house and secure your valuables, because theft and larceny are on the rise, Captain James Geier of the Logan City Police said.

"First and foremost, Utah State University students, as well as people in the city, should protect themselves from crimes of opportunity," Geier said. "Someone can just walk past and see a backpack left alone or a car unlocked. These crimes are not planned."

Of the most recent 2,000 criminal reports, he said 40 percent were theft and larceny, which makes that the biggest crime index factor for Logan.

"It has been my experience that as the weather trends change, we have more incidents involving juvenile activity, calls for service in traffic accidents and more response to auto burglaries," Geier said.

The drug task force has been busy in the city lately, also, he said.

"The second note I would give to give to USU students is that methamphetamines are not a path anyone wants to start down," Geier said. Methamphetamine is the main problem the drug task force is finding, he said, so that is a major concern locally because it can be produced through household means.

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