Brazen Thieves Target Owego Dog Park Visitors

People who bring their canine companions to play at a Tioga County park are being warned to be vigilant in the aftermath of recent smash-and-grab incidents.

The most recent cases at Hickories Park in the town of Owego occurred last Friday afternoon.

The entrance to Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Windows of two vehicles belonging to women who were visiting the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park were smashed and purses were stolen.

As they approached their cars preparing to leave the park, one woman exclaimed to the other: "Oh no! They busted my window and stole my purse!"

The other woman then noticed the same thing had happened to her vehicle.

This car was damaged in a smash-and-grab larceny at the Owego dog park on March 22, 2024. (Photo: WNBF News)

That woman told WNBF News "it was heartbreaking." She said it's been "so much of a hassle" since her purse and its contents were stolen.

No arrests have been made in connection with the thefts.

Captain Trevor Yaeger of the Tioga County Sheriff's Office said deputies will be more vigilant in patrolling the park.

Two Owego dog park visitors at play on March 24, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Last month, the Broome County Sheriff's Office issued an alert after at least eight vehicles were targeted in smash-and-grab incidents at Otsiningo Park in the town of Dickinson.

In some of those cases, thieves used stolen cards to withdraw thousands of dollars from bank accounts.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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