Attention all Camp Verde and Rimrock-area ATV owners: Someone’s got an eye out for your favorite toy.
“Over the last several weeks the Camp Verde Marshal’s Office has taken several reports of off-road vehicles — specifically quads — that have been stolen,” CVMO Cmdr. Jacquelyn MacConnell stated Aug. 26.
According to MConnell, three quads have been stolen from Howards Road alone. In addition, single quad thefts have occurred on Park Verde Road, Fourth Street, Stolen Boulevard, Ft. McDowell Street, Chino Drive and Main Street.
Camp Verde is not alone, however.
“On Aug. 29, 2016, just before 2 p.m., an unknown male suspect stole a Polaris Sportsman model ATV from a home in the 4800 block of E. Lavin Lane, Rimrock,” Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Media Relations Coordinator Dwight D’Evelyn stated.
According to D’Evelyn, the stolen quad was parked in front of the home, approximately 15 feet from the front door with the ignition key in place.
The vehicle was a 2004 Polaris 400 Sportsman ATV, green with canvas tank bags, with a gun rack attached to the front rack and a metal drop rack on the back. The last six numbers of the VIN are 402707. The vehicle is valued at approximately $3,000.
“The victim told deputies he was inside his house when one his dogs started barking,” D’Evelyn stated. “He then heard a noise outside and, when he went to investigate, he saw a male suspect with a tall build riding his quad out the driveway towards Lavin Lane, turn east and out of sight. The suspect accelerated hard as it left the front of the residence.”
Deputies searched the area but could not find the suspect or the stolen quad, according to D’Evelyn.
“Neighbors told deputies they saw a thin-looking male wearing a light colored shirt speeding away on the quad east on Lavin Lane. They were unsure which way the suspect turned when he reached – Forestglen Road.”
“We would like owners of quads to ensure they are properly securing their off-road vehicles by removing keys from the ignition when they are not being ridden; ideally storing them in a location out of sight from the public,” McConnell stated.
At the very least, McConnell added, owners should use a lock to secure their off-road vehicles when not in use. Even while stored in a garage, thefts can occur, and assuring the vehicle is secured to the building or another large object can prevent loss.
In addition, ATV-ready alarm-systems are readily available. Insuring any large vehicle is advised.
If anyone has information as to who may be involved with these thefts, contact Yavapai County Silent Witness at (800) 932-3232 anonymously or the Camp Verde Marshal’s Office at (928) 554-8300. Regarding the Rimrock theft, call the Sheriff’s Office at (928) 771-3260 and refer to case number 16-031068.
