Series of thefts reported in Ovando

OVANDO – Three thefts in the Ovando area were reported this last week. All thefts are still under investigation. Powell County Sheriff Gavin Roselles said currently there is no indication that the thefts are connected.

On Tuesday, April 2 a stolen snowmobile was recovered in the Ovando area. A Lewis and Clark County resident reported the late 1990's blue Skidoo stolen earlier this year. The owners resumed possession of it April 3.

Roselles said this is an ongoing case. Anyone with information about the snowmobile or anyone who has seen someone riding the snowmobile are asked to contact the Sheriff's Office.

Sunday, April 6 there were two reported thefts in Ovando.

One of the members of the Blackfoot Church in the Ovando had her purse stolen.

Roselles said there were some initial thoughts that a family that visited the church on Sunday may have taken the purse. However later in the afternoon some of the property from the purse was recovered in Ovando.

Roselles said it seemed odd that if a purse was stolen by someone from out of the area, that the suspects would have made a trip back to Ovando to return property,

"I just don't see that happening but it is certainly within the realm of possibilities," said Roselles who added they have not ruled out those suspects.

Also Sunday morning, the Miller family that lives in Ovando reported a saddle stolen from a shed on their property. Roselles said following a deputy responding to the incident, additional property was found missing.

Ovando resident Mandy Miller said her mother first realized one of their tack sheds had been broken into after returning from church. The door was busted with what appeared to be a crow bar. The window was broken leaving glass on the outside of the shed. Two more tack sheds had the locks broken and had been entered.

Miller said items were taken out of two of the three sheds. Items stolen included: saddles, miscellaneous tack, riding chaps, BB guns and a pair of caribou antlers with the skull attached.

Roselles said that in the Helmville/Ovando area, this is not the norm. However, he reminds residents to keep possessions locked up, keep a good inventory and have serial numbers on the property so if something is reported stolen there is a way for law enforcement to follow up on it.

"Just look after your neighbors and be proactive," said Roselles.

To provide more information on any of the thefts call the Powell County Sheriff's Office at 406-846-2711. Callers can remain anonymous.