A rash of thefts and burglaries in Bluffton since early June is changing some of our small-town lifestyle patterns.

Those changes have caused residents, who haven't done so in the past, to start locking house doors, car doors and outbuilding doors.

According to Bluffton Police Chief Ryan Burkholder, “The uptick in crime is disconcerting to residents and police,” indicating that a growing drug problem is a reality in Bluffton.

Burkholder says the Bluffton police are as proactive as the force can be as a result of the situation.

“The reality is very few crimes are actually interrupted by police catching persons in the act,” he said.

Burkholder told The Icon that he urges residents to “take measures to secure their property,” adding that, “we are going to have to work together to achieve a safe resolution.”

An attachment to this story provides additional background on the on-going police action in heading off these thefts.