Hancock County Sheriff Ralph Fletcher said he will be meeting with Newell residents Tuesday evening to discuss a recent rash of break-ins as well as a home invasion.

On Thursday someone stole a car, which was later recovered in East Liverpool.

Also, that same day, someone ransacked several other cars and broke into a vacant home to steal copper wiring.

Fletcher said the most serious crime was a home invasion also reported on Thursday. He said a person broke into a house while a resident was asleep inside.

Fletcher said two weeks ago, officials dealt with a rash of car break-ins at a parking lot near the Homer Laughlin China Co.

The sheriff said he believes the thefts are a result of people looking to steal cash for drugs.

Fletcher said he plans to speak with residents about what he is doing to help curb the crime.

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. at the Lions Club on Washington Street.

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