A recent wave of crime in the Kellogg and Smelterville area has local authorities concerned as multiple businesses were victims of vandalism and in two cases, break-ins.

The incidents took place last weekend beginning with the breaking and entering at the Kellogg Vision Center on Saturday morning, this was followed by another breaking and entering at the Fuller Center’s ReUse Store in Smelterville in the early hours of Monday morning.

Kellogg Moving and Storage was also vandalized early Monday morning when owners and police became aware of extensive paint damage done to the side of the building.

Both the Kellogg Police Department and the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office are working on the cases.

According to KPD chief Dave Woulle, the break-in at the Kellogg Vision Center was little more than a smash and grab, fortunately the business has security cameras that picked up footage of the burglary.

“Entry was gained by breaking the glass out of the front door,” Woulle said. “A cash drawer was removed from the business and located in the parking lot. Only a small amount of cash was taken. Video has been obtained and under review by the investigating officer.”

The break-in in Smelterville was similar to the one in Kellogg as, according to witnesses, a man tried repeatedly before successfully kicking in the side door of the building.

Although parts of the store were ransacked, after an inspection, owner Verne Blalack determined that he hadn’t noticed anything that was missing.

No break-in occurred at Kellogg Moving and Storage, but several of the storage units were spray painted with bright orange paint.

Concerning the break-ins, both the SCSO and KPD believe there could be a connection, but they haven’t found a direct link yet.

“As far as the two break ins it may be possible they are related,” Woulle said.

SCSO captain Holly Lindsey concurs with Woulle, and is making sure that deputies are patrolling these higher risk areas until the case gets solved.

“In the meantime, we are increasing our patrols in targeted areas throughout the county, and hopefully, we will come in contact with the suspect(s),” Lindsey said. “I haven’t had a chance to talk to Chief Wuolle about the incidents that occurred in Kellogg, so I’m not sure if the crimes are connected at this point.”

If anyone has any information about these crimes please call the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office at (208) 566-1114.