Sheriff offers advice to other owners
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies are investigating a rash of stolen utility task vehicles (UTVs), lifted golf carts, and zero-turn lawnmowers on trailers from residences around Lakes Sinclair and Oconee.
“The best we can determine, this type of crime – which we haven’t been having – started Sept. 27th,” Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.
Nine such vehicles have been taken in Putnam County and two more were taken from Lake Oconee homes in Hancock County.
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Hancock had two incidents the next day after we had the first of ours,” Sills noted.
Putnam’s sheriff said it appears the thieves are casing the neighborhoods in the daytime and then going back at night to gather what they saw.
“So, people need to take extra measures to move their vehicles out of sight or secure them if they’re visible from the roadway, at least until we catch who’s taking them,” he advised. “And also, make sure that you have the VIN or serial numbers and photos of your vehicles because, unfortunately, only one golf cart and two UTV owners had their VINs, but all the others didn’t.”
UTVs are a larger type of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) designed to haul heavier loads and carry additional passengers. UTVs are often used for farming or landscaping tasks. They are also known as “side-by-side,” or “SXS” for short because the driver and passenger can sit beside each other. They typically cost $20,000 to more than $30,000, Sills said.
Lifted golf carts have been modified with larger tires to raise the height of the cart, adding strength and better off-road maneuvering capabilities. They start at over $8,000 and, depending on the features, are sold for up to two or three times that price.
The recent thefts in Putnam have been from residences along Twin Bridges, Dennis Station, Oconee Springs, River Bend, River Lake, Oakland, and Hwy. 212 roads, according to Sills. He said he and his investigators have been actively investigating the thefts and are following up on leads. Two UTVs, two trailers with zero-turn lawnmowers and other lawncare equipment, and five lifted golf carts have been taken.
“There’s consistency in what they’re taking, but not in where they’re taking it from,” Sills noted.
He said the two Hancock County thefts included one “big” ATV and a golf cart.
“We found some seats and other components that appeared to be from one of the UTVs floating in Lake Oconee on the Hancock County side of the lake,” Sills said.
PCSO’s Lt. Harry Luke was out on the lake Tuesday with a deputy from Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and two DNR rangers using a sonar scan to search for the possible submerged vehicle or additional parts.
“If anyone has had something stolen, please report it because the most minor detail could help us solve these crimes,” Sills said.