The Harlan Police Department has received several recent reports of vehicles that have either been broken into or had damage done to them. They report the recent string occurred between July 20^th and 24^th.

All of the cases remain under investigation as no arrests have yet been made. Police would like to remind citizens to lock unattended vehicles and report any suspicious activity that you may have seen. They say you may be eligible for rewards paid by Crime Stoppers for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons involved.

The Guthrie Center City Council is considering whether to expand its current two man law enforcement department to three members.

During their meeting earlier this week, the Council also considered having their police force have more of a visible presence at night, especially between the hours of 10 AM and 6 PM.

They’re considering having more visibility after two pharmacy break-ins were reported in a period of less than two months. The most recent break-in occurred July 12^th at Dowd Healthmart Drug where a burglar broke a the front door of the store and stole prescription drugs. The other break-in occurred on May 26^th.

In addition, concerned citizens brought up recent incidents of minor vandalism in the city. The Council discussed having greater enforcement of their midnight curfew for youths to help thwart the burglaries and vandalism.

The Harlan Police Department is reporting the arrests of several people the past few days.

Last Saturday, law enforcement officers were called to an apparent fight in process in the area of 6^th and Dodge. When officers arrived, it was determined that Billy Scheffler and Curt Scheffler, both of Harlan, had been assaulted by two male subjects on bicycles.

Police were able to identify the alleged assailants as 20-year-old Jesse Seyler and 18-year-old Spencer Seyler, both of Harlan.

The Seyler brothers were transported to the Shelby County Jail. Jesse Seyler was charged with assault and possession of a controlled substance. Spencer Seyler was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

One of the two bicycles they were riding during the assault was found to have been stolen. That led to Jesse Sayler also being charged with posession of stolen property and Spencer Seyler charged with theft 5^th degree.

On an unrelated incident last Saturday, 25-year-old Christopher Smagacz of Harlan was arrested and charged with domestic abuse assault displaying a dangerous weapon when officers were called to his home. Smagacz allegedly threatened his wife with knives. Smagacz was transported to the Cass County Jail.

Last Friday, 33-year-old Stephanie Hampton was arrested on an active Shelby County warrant. The warrant was issued when Hampton failed to appear on a debtor’s exam. Hampton was transported to the Shelby County Jail.