String of break-ins in the area thought to be connected
by Sara Sedlacek · September 09, 2009

A string of break-ins in the area has local law enforcement working together to solve the crimes effecting West Liberty, West Branch and Tipton.

Late Friday night or early Saturday morning, three local businesses were broken into and, according to West Liberty Police Chief P.J. Brewer, a very small amount of money was taken.

“We don’t know an exact monetary figure yet,” Brewer said.

The businesses broken into were Fred’s Feed & Supply on Third Street, Liqui-Grow on Rainbow Drive and Wiele Chevrolet on Highway 6. Brewer said nothing appears to be missing from Liqui-Grow.

The break-ins appear to be connected to break-ins in Tipton, which happened last weekend, and West Branch, which happened around the same time as those in West Liberty.

“We’re working with the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Department, the Cedar County Sheriff’s Department and the West Branch Police Department to put the pieces together,” said Brewer. “It’s going to take a little time.”

No further details were known at press time Tuesday. West Branch Police Chief David Bloem confirmed there were break-ins in West Branch but refused to comment further.