Public Safety

ELK CREEK – Grayson County Sheriff Richard Vaughan is seeking information concerning a rash of break-ins that have occurred in the Elk Creek community in recent weeks.

Vaughan said Monday in a news release that investigators have determined that the unknown suspect or suspects have gained entry into unoccupied homes through unlocked doors and windows. The occupants were gone only for a short period of time when items were removed from their residences.

There have also been several thefts of unsecured ATV’s reported in the area.

Ten years ago, state lawmakers looked at a high-profile DUI case, listened to law enforcement and said, “Enough is enough.”

A bipartisan group drafted more than 70 bills seeking to stiffen penalties and enact near-zero-tolerance for repeat offenders.

Did it work?

DUI fatalities in Virginia have dropped by 21 percent since 2005, according to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles statistics. Crashes related to drinking and driving have fallen about 30 percent. Convictions for the offense have stayed relatively steady.

The Mount Rogers Health District reports that a local resident is receiving treatment for rabies following exposure to a rabid fox in Grayson County.

The report does not identify the person.

According to the report issued this week, the Grayson County Health Department received lab confirmation of rabies on June 12.

In addition to the human victim, the report says a dog that fought with the fox has been given a rabies booster and will be under observation. The dog was up-to-date on its rabies vaccination.

Is more surveillance better or worse where the police are concerned?

There is a popular trend of people recording video of officers, but what if it goes both ways?

It’s a relevant question, as the Galax Police Department has recently acquired cameras that record video and audio of interactions with the public. The devices are worn by officers on duty.