GROVE CITY, Ohio -- Police said drugs are to blame for a rash of burglaries in a Central Ohio community.
Heroin use in Grove City is being blamed for an increase in crime aimed at businesses and residents, NBC 4's Matt Alvarez reported.
When Grove City pharmacy owner Jim Ricket realized a criminal was trying to break into his business four times in two weeks, he said he became very concerned.
"When you have that many attempts, it puts everyone else on edge," Ricket said.
He is just one of 21 breaking and entering cases that have occurred since Jan. 1. There were ten cases during the same time inn 2008.
Capt. Steve Robinette blames the increase of breaking and entering cases -- along with a slight increase in burglaries around Grove City narcotics.
"Of the individuals we've identified, they indicate heroin or oxycontin habits," Robinette said.
Robinette said his department has a plan of action, as drug use crimes are on the rise.
"We take a multi-faceted approach. We have officers assigned to task forces that investigate the crimes and we approach the suspects and we use public education," Robinette said.
Police said a suspect was arrested in the burglary attempts at Ricket's pharmacy -- identified as James Hoover.
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