Five juveniles arrested for stealing vehicles in Fort Atkinson and Calmar

Five juveniles have been referred to juvenile court for stealing multiple vehicles in Calmar and Fort Atkinson during January and February.

Winneshiek County Sheriff's Deputy Dan Marx, who investigated the case, says the juveniles also stole an ATV, several snowmobiles and keys from parked vehicles.  The keys were taken with the intent to return later and steal those vehicles as well.

One of the stolen vehicles, owned by Farmers Union Coop in Fort Atkinson, sustained significant damage.

The juveniles were identified as being between the ages of 10 to 13.

Marx said the incidents should be a reminder to the public to perform simple crime prevention measures such as always removing keys from an unattended vehicle.  He adds, "Lock your houses, sheds and anywhere you keep valuable items, as most offenders, regardless of their ages, will seek out easy opportunities to commit a crime."