May 26, 2004
NewsNet5.com

Don't Park On Street In Downtown Cleveland

CLEVELAND -- Car theft happens every day in America. And not too long ago it happened to Debbie Trevarthen twice.

"My husband came and said, 'Where did you park the car?' and I said, 'Right on the corner.' and it was gone," she said.

Thieves stole Trevarthen's 1994 Pontiac Sunbird two times in less than three months. The second time they stripped it bare.

"Everything was gone, engine, everything was gone," Trevarthen said.

NewsChannel5 analyzed a full year's worth of stolen car reports from Cleveland to Akron and surrounding suburbs. This information could help you protect your car from being stolen. (The darker the color in the area code pictures, the more cars stolen.)

Trevarthen's car was stolen at Great Lakes Mall. Her car was one of 13 cars stolen from the mall last year.

At Great Northern Mall, thieves stole 15 cars. And at South Park Mall, they got five.

"Those vehicles can be stolen in a matter of less than 30 seconds," said Progressive Insurance agent John Sauerland.

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May 26, 2004
Mt. Vernon News

MOUNT VERNON — “Very smoothly” is how Knox County Sheriff David Barber describes the process of applying for concealed carry permits since April 8, when the law went into effect.

“I’m in the middle of reviewing approximately 70 applications,” said Barber, adding about 25 concealed handgun licenses have been issued as of Tuesday.

Those interested in applying for a concealed carry permit can pick up an application at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Barber said once the application is completed, individuals then make an appointment to be fingerprinted, have their background check begun and pay their fee.

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May 25, 2004
Port Clinton News Herald

Sheriff's office changes CCW application policy
Appointments begin June 1

PORT CLINTON -- The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office is slightly changing the administration process for its concealed weapons applications.

Beginning Tuesday, June 1, staff members will begin scheduling appointments. This will ensure a more prompt and efficient process. In effect, the new system helps eliminate wait time and ensure the staff's ability to continue to properly respond to the applicants' needs, said Chief Deputy Bob Bratton.

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Last week, a new policy of banning firearms in FirstMerit Bank began to be enforced. Signs were posted in several branches, with word that they will be posted in all Ohio branches. Unfortunately for residents in Pennsylvania, who have been able to bank at FirstMerit for several years without being confronted with discriminatory signs, we have learned the bank plans to post them there too. That state has had a concealed carry law since the late 1980's.

The following story highlights what is now the fourth robbery at a FirstMerit in the past two weeks.

May 25, 2004
NBC4Columbus.com

Police Search For Armed Bank Robbers
Men Seen Dressed In Camouflage

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Police searched a wooded area near Polaris Parkway Tuesday afternoon for a pair of bank robbers, NewsChannel 4 reported.

Two white men dressed in camouflage reportedly robbed the First Merit Bank at East Powell Road and Polaris Parkway at about 2:45 p.m. One of the robbers stayed in the lobby and covered the employees and customers with a dark-colored semi-automatic pistol, while the other robber ran behind the teller counter and removed money from the drawers, according to the FBI.

The men, who were armed, left the bank in a car. That car, reportedly a two-door Acura with no license plate, was found in the Lake Club apartment complex. The vehicle was reported stolen from a car dealer in Akron earlier in the morning.

Police searched an area along the railroad tracks behind the complex, which is west of South Old State Road, NewsChannel 4 reported.

The search was called off at about 4:45 p.m.

Investigators said surveillance cameras could provide images of the robbers, who were said to be in their 20s or 30s and of average height and weight.

Anyone with information should contact the Delaware County Sheriff's Office at (740) 833-2810 or the FBI at (614) 224-1183.

Related Stories:
Another day, another FirstMerit bank robbery AT "POSTED" BRANCH

Ironic timing for FirstMerit bank to begin posting discriminatory signs

The following letter has been submitted by OFCC Senate District 10 Coordinator Larry Moore to his employer, Brown Publishing.

Does Brown Publishing really think signs will stop the next "Mr. Hibbs"?

BROWN PUBLISHING COMPANY
NO GUNS POSTING

I was surprised, shocked, and disappointed as I entered the front door of the Xenia Gazette on Monday afternoon to encounter a no firearms posting. I returned to my truck, removed the gun from my holster (exposing it to view of anyone passing), and left it locked in a case in plain view on my front seat. As the holder of the first Concealed Handgun License issued in Greene County, I have carried into the building many times. The policy is no doubt a knee-jerk reaction to the unfortunate incident involving Brown Publishing employee Jeff Hibbs of the Wilmington News Journal.

I am dismayed because President and CEO Roy Brown recently ran for Congress as a life-long conservative. While I do not reside in that district, I did believe his conservative message. However, I now learn that those life-long conservative beliefs were nothing more than an advertising campaign for political office. At the first sign of actually standing on life-long conservative values, Mr. Roy Brown leads his company in the opposite direction. He switched positions faster than John Kerry!

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