Two thefts in two weeks near Loudon County lake
But two teens say their trip to the water was anything but perfect.
Many in the area leave their car off the side of the road on Jackson Bend Road in Greenback while they take a dip into the lake.
But in the past two weeks, two car windows were shattered, while thieves got away with precious and personal belongings.
Katelyn Leamon and Kelsey Olen left their car on the side of the road for only an hour on Wednesday afternoon. But while still dripping wet, they discovered the back windshield on Katelyn's Ford Escape was shattered.
"Freaking out and annoyed, really annoyed," said Olen.
They only noticed one thing missing, which Kelsey's wallet.
Police say they patrol the area, but because of the long trip to the lake, many things can go unnoticed.
From the time you hop out of the lake, it takes about 10 minutes to get back to your car. Police say that quarter mile distance is enough room that if something happens, you won't even hear it.
This was the second theft in two weeks along Jackson Bend Road.
The other case is similar, a car window was broken with a rock, two cell phones and two wallets were taken.
"Several items were taken out of the vehicles, including some debit and credit cards. Some personal items, social security cards," said Jeff Russell, an investigator with the Loudon County Sheriff's Office.
Police were able to track down one of the credit cards, which was used at the Alcoa Walmart.
Officers were able to find surveillance video of the suspects not long after the crime was reported.
"Two Mountain Dews, and looks like some other kind of snack for $4.16," said Russell.
He says the two returned just a few minutes later. They attempted to buy a car seat, a doll and a blanket, but the transaction was denied.
"You got $150 worth of stuff here, you can get pills out of it, and sometimes that's all they're thinking about," said Russell.
Russell also suggests not keeping any valuables in the car, because it's a lot harder to replace a social security card than a window.
Police say they have responded to vandalized cars, thefts, drug offenses and public drunkenness in the past to the area.
If you recognize the suspects in the video, please contact the Loudon County Sheriff's Office.
