Burglars hit area dealership

LEXINGTON – Police are searching for clues after someone broke into the Martin-Sullivan John Deere dealership in Lexington early Wednesday morning.

Under $6,000 worth of Stihl equipment was taken, including chainsaws, blowers and trimmers. Lexington Police Chief David Belvery reports a window was broken out allowing the person, or persons, responsible to walk in and take the equipment. There have been other burglaries at Illinois John Deere dealerships during the last month.

“Could it be connected? If I was a betting man, I would say yes but we don’t have any hard evidence to suggest at this time that they are,” said Belvery.

Authorities are reviewing surveillance video from nearby businesses. Belvery said the business alarm system was set at the time but did not go off for some reason. He has some advice for area businesses.

“Make sure your alarm system is in working operation.”

Belvery recommends businesses have a quality video surveillance system which can recognize faces and license plates with high-quality images.

“If they have a will, there’ll be a way,” Belvery adds. “They’ll get in there and they’ll get your stuff.”