Over the past few weeks a number of thefts have been reported in the day use areas in the local Corp of Engineers Parks. On July 18^th two Heber Springs residents, twenty year old Casey Sumpter and twenty-eight year old Joshua Nix were arrested by Deputies and have been charged by Sheriff’s Office Detectives in a number of the incidents. In a search of the pair’s residence, Detectives recovered cell phones, credit cards and other personal items belonging to the victims. At this point both Nix and Sumpter have been charged with one Count of Felony Theft of Property, four counts of Misdemeanor Theft of Property, two counts of Breaking and Entering which are Felonies, one count of Misdemeanor Criminal Mischief and one count of Misdemeanor Theft by Receiving. Additional charges may be filed by the Heber Springs Police Department. Bond for both Nix and Sumpter has been set at $25,000.

      On July 18^th, an eighty-one year old female who resides on Pangburn Road was approached by two white males driving a white Chevrolet Silverado pickup.  One of the two told her that they were involved in a program that would help her pay her utility bills but that he needed to get some information.  While one of the two kept her occupied asking questions about her house and writing in a notebook that he was carrying, the second took several hundred dollars in cash from her wallet. Similar incidents have happened in the past and the targets are usually elderly persons who live alone. Anyone who is approached by any persons making these type claims are cautioned against allowing them in their house and should immediately contact the Sheriff’s Office.