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Pataskala police describe recurring vehicle break-ins; council seeks K-9 replacement funding
Summary
Pataskala police reported recurring vehicle break-ins traced to mobile rings operating across multiple nearby jurisdictions; the department is pursuing a donor/grant for a new K-9 to replace a retiring canine.
Pataskala’s police chief told the council that a recurring group of suspects has been responsible for recent vehicle break-ins across multiple jurisdictions and that the department continues to investigate and adjust tactics.
“It’s kinda like whack a mole,” the police chief said, describing rotating groups that are arrested and replaced by other offenders. The chief said the department has made arrests over several months but that suspects appear to operate in a pattern across Pataskala, New Albany, Reynoldsburg and neighboring county areas; a recent pursuit ended near Bryce Road and was discontinued for safety reasons.
Councilwoman Ed Coleman arranged a meeting with the Licking County Foundation to discuss funding for a replacement K-9 after current K-9 Joker began showing joint problems. The chief said the department hopes a donation or grant will help pay for the replacement; the meeting with the foundation was scheduled for the 19th.
Why it matters: repeated vehicle break-ins and multi-jurisdictional patterns can affect neighborhood safety and resident confidence; a K-9 replacement is a targeted equipment need for patrol operations.
What’s next: the department will continue investigations and follow up on funding options for a replacement canine; no formal council funding action on a K-9 purchase was taken at this meeting.
