Potential thieves caught in Columbia Lakes

Columbia police are asking residents of the Columbia Lakes subdivision to check their vehicles and property in case they may be victims of theft after two people were apprehended in that area early Friday morning in possession of burglary tools.

Shortly after 3:20 a.m., a Columbia police officer observed two suspicious males on foot in the 500 block of Old State Route 3.

Brandon J. Allen, 23, of Fenton, Mo., and Blaze M. Bollinger, 23, of Perryville, Mo., were detained and later charged with possession of burglary tools.

Allen also had an active outstanding Missouri warrant for burglary to vehicle and possession of synthetic cannabis in the State of Missouri. Bollinger also had an active outstanding warrant for burglary to vehicle.

A gold Oldsmobile 98 four-door car registered to Bollinger was found in the 2300 block of Lakeshore Drive.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are anticipated, police said.

Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to theft is urged to call the Columbia Police Department at 618-281-5151.

Police are on high alert in the Columbia Lakes subdivision following recent incidents of stolen vehicles and thefts from vehicles.

On Jan. 13, the theft of an unlocked Cadillac Escalade with its keys inside was reported in that area along with three thefts from unlocked motor vehicles.

On Oct. 28, the theft of an unlocked Pontiac Vibe with its keys inside was reported in the subdivision along with two thefts from unlocked motor vehicles.

โ€œWe canโ€™t remind people enough to lock their vehicles overnight and keep valuables out of plain sight,โ€ Columbia Police Chief Jerry Paul said.

 

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Corey Saathoff

Corey is the editor of the Republic-Times. He has worked at the newspaper since 2004, and currently resides in Columbia. He is also the principal singer-songwriter and plays guitar in St. Louis area country-rock band The Trophy Mules.
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