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Vandalism spree prompts added patrols in Dinwiddie County

Posted at 5:58 PM, Feb 02, 2012
and last updated 2012-02-02 17:58:24-05

DINWIDDIE COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) – The Dinwiddie County Sheriff’s Office is stepping up patrols in an area of the county that has seen a spike in vandalism and a suspicious fire.

Deputies are warning residents to be vigilant and keep a watchful eye on their neighbors in the Poole Siding–Church Road area of the county.

The advice comes after more than 30 firefighters battled a fire at the old prison work camp on Saturday.

“Lots of heavy fire in the rear of the building and subsequently extended upward and across” said Director of Dinwiddie Fire and EMS Dennis Hale.

While investigating the fire’s cause, crews found other vandalism on the property. In fact, someone shot out a glass window and pushed open a door on another building.

Additionally, investigators said the fire was no accident and that they consider it suspicious.

The first fire department on the scene, which was within line of sight of the fire, has also been plagued with vandalism over the past few months.

JB’s Grocery, which is just a mile down the road, has had its share of problems.

In fact., just a day after the fire someone busted out another glass door at the store.

“It’s cost me about $275 last time I replaced my door, and it will cost me the same thing again,” said Jubair Shawn, the store’s owner. “And last time they took about $400 to $500 worth of cigarettes from my store.”

However, Shawan said the crooks were not able to steal any smokes since they were not able to actually get inside the store.