BELLE — A string of robberies in the evening hours of Monday, Sept. 8, and early morning hours of Tuesday, Sept. 9 resulted in at least six residents reporting missing property or vandalism, said Sgt. Brian Brennan of the Belle Police Department.

“It looks like a couple of people hit every car on the east side of town and worked their way through to South Alvarado Avenue,” Brennan said. “Several vehicles were ransacked, which makes it hard to know if anything was taken.”

Brennan thinks more people were affected, but either haven’t noticed or haven’t reported anything.

“We have suspects, but not enough for an arrest,” Brennan said.

A wallet and purse were recovered from Casey's General Store dumpster. Two suspects were caught on the store’s cameras; one walked towards the back dumpster, but didn’t have anything in hand.

“We have some evidence, but not what we would call probable cause,” Brennan said. “People were coming and going all night.”

A resident at Eighth Street and Linn Street reported that someone broke into her car around 1 a.m.

“It looks like they started around Eighth Street and South Alvarado Avenue, then headed towards the 700 Block of Linn Street to Bland Avenue,” Brennan said. “We could see a trail of stuff headed to Fifth Street.”

So far the wallet and purse are the only two items that have been recovered, but Brennan believes there could be more, as the credit cards and checks were also taken.

“It depends on what was stolen or if they try to use checks or credit cards,” Brennan said when asked if the robbers would be apprehended. 

Residents have contacted Belle Mayor Josh Seaver and city aldermen requesting a meeting about the town’s security.

“We are supposed to have a meeting with several of the citizens who are concerned and be more proactive about protecting their properties,” Breannan said, adding that there are simple things citizens can do. “Don’t leave your valuables in your cars, and lock your vehicles.”

Brennan also suggested people buy cameras so if their property is vandalized, the suspect would be on camera.

Seaver said he would not host a special city meeting for the public concerns, but they are welcome to attend the Oct. 8 city meeting and address the officers and board during the public comment period.