Plows Thefts Prompt Warning to Keep Valuables Locked Up

After three recent reports of snow plows being stolen from residents and businesses, police are warning the public to keep their valuables – snow plows and otherwise – in secure locations.

Police Lt. Denise Roy said the three plows were were taken from a combination of businesses and residences and two of the three were secured before they were taken.

“At least two of them were secured,” Roy said. “One was locked and one was secured with an alarm that they managed to bypass.”

The best thing people can do, she said, is to lock them in a garage if possible, otherwise securing them with an alarm, a lock or both in an area that it would be difficult to move the plow from its location.

Roy said it's not unusual to see this kind of theft taking place at this time of year.

“Every year around this time we see an increase in reports of thefts,” Roy said.

Roy said because it's an open investigation she couldn't release details about the possibility of suspects, but she said the Merrimack Police Department is working with other nearby jurisdictions, including Amherst, who've seen similar thefts to determine if there is a connection.

Roy said the plows have been taken in the over night hours. Police encourage residents to report any suspicious activity they see in their neighborhoods.

Merrimack Police Lt. Paul Trepaney recently sent out a press release with tips on how to prevent crimes of opportunity. As the holidays get closer, these types of crimes typically increase. Check out what steps you can take to help prevent you from becoming a victim.