BY JANICE MORSE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HAMILTON -- Concrete angels are meant to remain earthbound, but they're flying out of people's lawns.
So are concrete deer, mirrored balls and other lawn ornaments, in one of this Butler County city's most peculiar crime sprees in recent memory.
"This is the first time we've had a large-scale lawn ornament theft that I know of," said Sgt. Dan Pratt, a Hamilton officer for 11 years.
Since May 23, police have received 14 reports of such thefts scattered over the city.
Hamilton police said they were unaware of any other communities experiencing a surge in such thefts, although the Butler County sheriff's office reports a modest increase.
Among the figures stolen in Hamilton have been life-sized concrete deer valued at more than $1,000, said Jackie Proffitt of 317 Millville Ave.
The doe, buck and fawn had been in Ms. Proffitt's family for a half-century, she said, adding, "My mother, who gave them to me, is just heartbroken over this."
Whoever took the deer must have had a large truck and at least one accomplice, because the figures are heavy, Ms. Proffitt said. Doris J. Berry of 100 Wasserman Road said her three stolen angels were worth about $250 total. "I've lived here 41 years, and this is the first time I've ever had anything taken out of my yard," she said.
Police think the crimes are probably being committed by the same group of thieves, Sgt. Pratt said. But as of Monday,they had no suspects.
There's probably little residents can do, Sgt. Pratt said. "You really can't chain things down," he said.
Anyone with information should call 868-5811, Ext. 2007.
