Vehicle Burglaries on Rise at Fairgrounds

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY-- A crime wave could be sweeping across Oklahoma and the target appears to be competitive cowboys.

On Saturday nearly half a dozen vehicles parked outside the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds were broken into. Investigators said it happened during the day when nearly 500 people were attending a non-pro cutting horse event.

"I'm always surprised at the brazenness of the people who want to do something wrong," said Fairgrounds President and General Manager Tim O'Toole. "Thieves are very bold sometimes."

O'Toole said the break-ins are forcing organizers to re-examine security procedures at the fairgrounds even though off-duty police officers were already on-hand for Saturday's event.

Tuesday, members of the Fairgrounds staff met with Oklahoma City police to discuss what can and should be done to help beef up security during special events.

"We're finding out unfortunately we're not the only location that's had these type of crimes recently", said O'Toole.

Tulsa police are investigating a similar incident. Back in March, thieves broke into vehicles at the Green Country Paint Horse Show and took off with purses and other valuables.

Britton Wilson, a competitor from Nebraska, said despite the break-ins he and the other out-of-town competitors will be back. They said the overall spirit of Oklahoma City far outshines the mean spirit of a select few.

"It was just a really enjoyable time down here," Wilson said. "I'll definitely come back again."

So why target horse shows? Thieves know people attending these kinds of events like to leave their purses or merchandise inside their vehicles so they don't have to carry them around all day.

"Thieves look for opportunity, that's the unfortunate part of it", said O'Toole.

Investigators are looking into whether or not the two crimes in the cities are connected. If you have any information about these crimes in Tulsa or Oklahoma City you're urged to call your local Crime Stoppers.