OVANDO – Since Labor Day there has been an uptick of thefts and vandalism in the Ovando area. Powell County Sheriff Gavin Roselles reminds residents to be vigilant, watch out for their neighbors and report suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Office.
Roselles said there was a vehicle that went missing from a ranch in the Ovando area over Labor Day weekend. It was reported stolen Sept. 12. The vehicle was recovered Sept. 23 on the Cottonwood Lakes Road on the Powell/Missoula county line. It was shot multiple times with a gun and destroyed. The incident is still under investigation.
Within the last two weeks, a firearm, tools and propane torch were stolen out of a vehicle parked by the dump in Ovando. The vehicle was parked on private property and was left. When the owners returned, they found the items missing. The theft is still under investigation.
“There is no indication that the two were connected but, because we don’t know when the time frame was for either incident, it is kind of hard to pinpoint them,” said Roselles. “It is possible but it is kind of hard to tie them together given that much time frame.”
Roselles reminds everyone to lock their vehicles, even when they are left on private property and to not leave the keys with the vehicle.
He also recommends installing video security. This provides helpful evidence during an investigation.
“Video has certainly helped us solve a lot of things,” said Roselles.
If you have more information about either of these cases, you are encouraged to call the Powell County Sheriff’s Office, 406-846-2711
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