Storage facility break-ins investigated
By DAVID M GRIMES (dgrimes@reviewonline.com)CALCUTTA - After a recent break-in at "Stor-Mor For Less" in Calcutta, St. Clair Township police are working with other agencies in attempt to uncover the recent string of storage facility break-ins around the Ohio Valley area.
Over 40 units were ransacked and many items were stolen during a break-in earlier this week at the state Route 170 storage facility in Calcutta. Police received the first report of the crime early Monday morning.
According to Sergeant/Detective Brian McKenzie, the suspect or suspects broke the locks on several storage doors and cut the slide mechanisms on the remaining storage units to gain access and take items ranging from war medals to snow mobiles.
McKenzie added, at the moment, it is unclear if the Calcutta breaking-and-entering case is related to similar incidents in Struthers and Beaver Township. The Columbiana County Sheriff's Office is also investigating similar break-ins, the detective said.
Police are continuing the Calcutta investigation as owners inventory their items and report their findings of any missing personal belongings.
The St. Clair Police Department is looking into the time period of the break-in, or break-ins, since many items large and small were taken from multiple storage units. Although, it is unclear at the early stages of the inquiry, McKenzie did note that one storage unit owner said he visited the area on Sunday and everything appeared to be normal.
Cheryl Shymoniak was one of the first owners to contact police. She said furniture, baby items and other objects were gone when she inspected her room. Many of those items were kept in storage for her daughter who is currently living out-of-town, Shymoniak said.
Police encourage anyone who may have any information about the "Stor-Mor For Less" incident to contact the St. Clair Township police department at 330-386-3585. The police department is also open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to the public.
