As the heroin problem continues to worsen, so do the crimes associated with it.
Mentor Police have arrested more than 50 people through a special detail focused on heroin-related crime. The department said its undercover theft operation recently had a state grant renewed after seeing substantial success in curbing the crimes.
"They'll take anything," Chief Kevin Knight said.
A variety of things have reportedly been stolen, from jewelry and electronics, to light bulbs, baby formula and lobster tails. Most recently, 22 clothing items, mostly jeans, were stolen from a Mentor Target. Police say the shoplifters, Kayla Wenz and Matthew Lanning, admitted their drug-fueled intentions.
"They admitted that was they thing they do, they go around stealing items. Refunding them. Using gift cards to sell for cash or buy drugs," Chief Knight said.
