Eldoradoans asked to look out for vehicle burglars
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Eldorado City Council has issued a warning to residents regarding vehicle burglars.
"We are concerned about people leaving cars unlocked and leaving money inside," Public Safety Commissioner Bob Briddick said.
"It makes it very difficult for the police department to catch anybody when the local public is leaving vehicles like that."
Police Chief Shannon Deuel said thieves aren't just looking for money that is in plain sight. They apparently are looking for any type of container that could conceivably hold money, such as suitcases or purses, and if the car is locked with such a container in sight, the thieves are breaking windows.
"Anything that looks like anything they are breaking the windows and taking it," Deuel said.
Briddick and Deuel ask people to lock their vehicles to make it as difficult for the thieves as possible and make it more likely suspicious activity will be spotted and reported to police.
During brief 10-minute meeting of Eldorado City Council Tuesday night, Public Properties Superintendent Jeff Minor said the street department has been busy overseeing the demolition of derelict properties. One on Illinois Avenue should be completed today.
Street Department Superintendent J.B. James said two structures have been demolished on State Street and one on Reed Street is awaiting Dumpsters for the removal of rubble.
"Hopefully it doesn't rain too much and we'll be done with them," James said.
Minor also asks citizens to report any street lights that are burned out to Eldorado City Hall. The city pays for them whether they are operating properly or not.
Finance and Water Commissioner Jim Morris said city finances are in good shape, but gas and oil usage and costs are a concern.
"Gas and oil in a couple of departments are a little high, but the price of gas can't make up its mind what it wants to do," Morris said.
Commissioner Robby Price and member of the Eldorado Men's Club thanked the city crews for assistance in taking down the Christmas decorations that the club arranges each year.
Mayor Rocky James said a meeting with Eldorado's new U.S. Rep. John Shimkus -- since the congressional redistricting -- was productive. James said it is his hope the city can work with Shimkus to find federal assistance with improvements.
"He is a nice guy and seems real concerned," James said.
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DeNeal receives e-mail at bdeneal@yourclearwave.com.</li>
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