Clermont neighborhood fights a rising tide of burglaries
CINCINNATI – Neighbors in a Clermont County subdivision are fighting back against a rash of home burglaries and robberies over the last month. the Braxton Parke subdivision off Bach-Buxton Road and Ohio Route 125 has traditionally considered itself a safe neighborhood. but last month, neighbors started noticing reports of break-ins and burglaries at all times of day and night, which has many of them on alert. When the sun goes down over the homes in Braxton Parke in Union Township and Amelia, increasingly the outside lights are staying on throughout the night in this neighborhood. Neighbors like Dale White and Jennie Boeckman say they’re afraid of finding a burglar in their house. Boeckman says, “I worry that while I’m taking care of those kids, if somebody comes in. It’s not just my kids but it is also somebody else’s kids, too.” White adds, “I think he’s found something that is probably a good cash crop for him. He keeps ‘farming’ us, which is not a great thing.” in the last few weeks, that ‘cash crop’ has been jewelry and other small but valuable items that can easily be sold. White has tracked at least 6 burglaries within blocks of his house. He’s already taken steps to protect himself. White says, “I’ve added more security cameras. I’ve added more lights around the outside. I know that most of my neighbors have added a lot more motion lights.” Boeckman says since she takes care of other parents’ children during the day, “I have some alarms that I don’t normally turn on during the day, that I now turn on. All my doors. I keep the doors locked 24-7 whether I am in the house or not. I have my cellphone with me at all times.” with the burglar or burglars getting in by jimmying windows and sliding glass doors, some neighbors are considering getting guns. Boeckman says, “There are several people who are talking about taking concealed and carry classes, so they’d be licensed to carry a gun. A lot of people have gotten better alarm systems. and just upgrading alarm systems.” both White and Boeckman say they’ve seen increased patrols from the Clermont County Sheriff recently. Even though Sheriff A.J. Rodenberg supports the conceal and carry law; he warns homeowners they need to be fully trained on the law before they bring guns into the house. Sheriff Rodenberg warns that Ohio law doesn’t allow you to use a gun to protect property, only for personal protection when you are directly threatened.
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