What does a barn fire, car break-ins, a mail box fire and sheds set afire have in common? Maybe nothing, or maybe a link. North Royalton Safety Director Bruce Campbell said that the North Royalton Police Department is in the middle of investigating a large number of incidents that have taken place last month.
The following is the rundown of the incidents in question:
On Thursday, July 14, a barn caught fire on Edgerton Road.
On Monday, July 18, a Prince Charles Drive resident reported that two vehicles in the driveway were broken into. A Jessica Lane resident reported that two vehicles in her driveway were broken into. A graduation sign in the front yard was also set on fire. One Sir Richard resident reported that someone had poured paint on their garage door. Another Sir Richard resident reported that two cars in the driveway were keyed. Also on July18, at about 4:45 a.m., police were dispatched to Ashley Lane, where a mailbox was set on fire. Remnants of two plastic gasoline cans were found near the fire, which was extinguished by the North Royalton Fire Department.
On Tuesday, July 19, an Ashley Lane resident reported three gas cans were taken from his open garage and an Akins Road resident reported that someone had taken items from his barn.
On Thursday, July 21, a Ridge Road resident reported that someone had broken into two vehicles in her driveway. Two sheds on two Ridge Road properties were reported on fire about 5:30 a.m. Both sheds appeared to be have been broken into. A Julia Drive resident reported that someone had broken into a vehicle. The resident stated that they heard a dog barking at about 3 a.m. Also, three Hi-View Drive residents reported that someone had broken into unlocked vehicles in their driveways.
On Saturday, July 23, mailboxes were reported damaged on Edgerton Road and Bunker Road.
Anyone who has had a vehicle, shed or garage entered, or may have observed something that looked out of place should contact Detective FloAnn Rybicki at (440) 582-6216.
Safety Director Bruce Campbell said that the “incidents are currently under an ongoing investigation, trying to link it all together. We’re making sure we’re doing everything we can.” He said that there are easy steps that residents can take to help prevent these types of incidents from happening:
• Trim bushes around your home.
• Install light sensors as a very inexpensive form of security.
• Lock vehicles, sheds and garages.
• Remove valuables from vehicles, or keep them out of plain sight.
• Close garage doors at night.
• Lock all windows and doors when leaving your residence.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer