Wright County Sheriff’s Department still seeing trends in small crime

The latest U.S. Census figures told us what we already knew about St. Michael and Albertville. We’re getting to be a large community.

With that trend – which made St. Michael the largest community in Wright County – comes some “big city” problems. And St. Michael is no different.

The Wright County Sheriff’s Department recognizes that, per capita, STMA has the lowest crime rate in the county. However, vehicle break-ins have been the one area where deputies are showing some concern.

The trend started during the last holiday season, as shoppers at the Albertville Premium Outlets reported thefts from vehicles during the winter months, leading up to Christmas.

That trend has picked up again this summer, as vehicles are left in driveways or roadsides during warm, temperate evenings.

“The main thing is to take a quick look at what’s in the car before you get out. If you don’t want to live without it, just don’t leave it in your vehicle. That goes for the obvious things like the phones, laptops and purses, especially,” said Sheriff Joe Hagerty, a St. Michael native and resident.

Hagerty said earlier this summer the department was dealing with more calls regarding this trend than in previous summers. It’s not a startling thing, like burglaries or hold-ups (though even Albertville has seen one of those). Nor is it violent crime. But, the victim does feel violated.

And, there is some danger of a “return” crime. Some vehicles have seen garage door openers taken, giving a thief access to a home, which is much more serious than just a car out on the street, Hagerty said.

The other trend deputies are working with are gas drive-offs and gas siphoning. With fuel prices over $3.50 per gallon, the drive-offs are up again, Hagerty said.

At Coborns, employees in the Little Dukes area will write down each license plate as a car drives up for gas – whether that driver is paying at the pump or not. They have seen some drive-offs here.

“Usually, it’s someone who just forgets,” said a worker behind the counter. “They come back around, and are pretty embarrassed about it.”

But, as a precaution, the pumps on the end – which allow easy access to busy 57th Street Northeast – are both pay at the pump only.

“I think you’ll see a lot of stations, if gas stays this high, go to a pre-pay or pay at the pump only system,” Hagerty said. “For now, we’re working with them on writing down plates and what to watch for. But it’s a change that could be coming. Many convenience stores in the Cities are already there.”