LCSO Message of the Week on April 11, 2025

Over the past several weeks, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit and Patrol Units have investigated a rash of storage unit break-ins and thefts in the Yerington / Smith Valley areas. Multiple perpetrators of these thefts have been arrested, and the list of people involved seems to grow every day. Other people involved have either purchased stolen items from the suspects or helped hide items for the suspects. The investigation is ongoing, and Deputies are working to determine if more criminal charges will be brought forward or if more suspects will be arrested in relation to these cases.

These types of investigations are extremely labor-intensive; the amount of property recovered and evidence recovered will require three days of evidence processing alone. The suspects involved in the theft continue to drain law enforcement resources and affect the lives of so many innocent people in the area. These suspects have been arrested multiple times on similar charges and narcotic-related charges; they are the definition of drains on society. It is my hope that they receive lengthy prison sentences and do not bother the community again for quite some time.

Information on how to better protect your belongings that are being stored:

1. Choose a Reputable and Secure Facility:

Secure Access: Opt for a facility with gated entry, requiring a code or key for access.

Surveillance: Look for facilities with cameras, especially those that cover the entire area.

Lighting: Ensure the facility is well-lit, especially at night, to deter criminals.

Fencing: A fully fenced lot adds an extra layer of security.

2. Secure Your Unit with a High-Quality Lock:

Disc Locks: Consider using disc locks, which are more difficult to cut or break.

Avoid Weak Locks: Avoid locks with long shackles that can be easily cut.

Don’t Share Keys: Keep your key and access codes confidential.

3. Protect Your Belongings:

Inventory:

Keep an up-to-date inventory of your stored items, especially valuable ones.

Valuable Items:

Consider storing valuables elsewhere, like a home safe or bank deposit box, if possible.

Secure Containers:

Use containers with tight-fitting lids to keep your belongings safe and dry.

Regular Checks:

Visit your unit periodically, even if you don’t need to access anything.

4. Implement Additional Security Measures:

Alarms: Consider installing an alarm system in your unit.

Cameras: If the facility lacks cameras, consider setting up your own within your unit.

Deterrence: Post signs indicating that the facility is monitored and secure.

Proper Lighting: Ensure your unit and surrounding areas are well-lit.

5. Educate Yourself and Others:

Best Practices: Learn about best practices for securing storage units and share this information with others.

Report Suspicious Activity: Promptly report any suspicious activity to the facility management.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office works diligently to bring suspects to justice. Unfortunately, community members aren’t always made whole; again, titling these suspects ”drains on society”.