Amador County – A 33-year Amador County resident fed up with a recent string of burglaries has posted a warning sign in his neighborhood. And he hopes the practice catches on around the county.

Bob VanDePol said there have been four or five burglaries in the area between Ousby and Mulfino roads since April, and the Amador County Sheriff’s Department has not reported any related arrests.

One of the burglaries affected a relative of VanDePol, whom he declined to name. A woman also a relative of the burglary victim, said VanDePol took it into his own hands to warn people that burglars are striking throughout Amador County.

VanDePol put up a sign Monday afternoon that said: “Warning! Burglars in this area!” VanDePol posted the sign in a yard near the corner of Mulfino Road and Highway 88.

He complained about the Sheriff’s department, saying he had a good idea who burglarized the house. The suspect was questioned, but not arrested. VanDePol said: “Apparently they’re not apprehending any of these guys.”

The woman (who asked not to be identified) said the sign was “to alert other people,” because she would “hate to see other people lose what (her relative) lost.”

A cabin separate from the house was found burglarized, with irreplaceable items taken. She said they have “a good idea who did it,” and the sheriff’s department “finally interviewed one suspect,” but no arrests have resulted. Deputies said they need a warrant.

VanDePol said the sign was going up “to alert other people,” and it “would probably protect our place too.” He said: “A lot of people have sure taken notice already,” and he hopes the sign stops others from falling victim. He said: “It’ll be worth it to me if it stops one damn burglar.”

They have installed security systems, even though they “never had to do anything like that in the years that we’ve lived here,” he said, adding that “people just don’t rest at ease when this happens.”

One man they suspected lived in a tent built next to his property, and also had a similar tent next to a school on Ridge Road, “so he could watch the properties,” VanDePol said. The tent was built with limbs and found material and was “big enough to have a fire pit to cook his meals.” VanDePol said authorities have since moved the man to another county.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.