The Holmes County Sheriff has identified at least three suspects in more than 100 burglaries that occurred in five counties over the last several years.

Sheriff Tim Zimmerly reported Wednesday, August 31, that his office believes “two, possibly three” suspects are expected to be apprehended within “the next few days.” The suspects are all Holmes County residents, Zimmerly said.

The suspects are believed to be behind thefts of scrap metal, tools and other items over a two to three year period in Holmes, Coshocton, Wayne, Ashland and Knox counties. Zimmerly said the scrap metal included copper wire and pipes, which were taken to metal recycling yards in Coshocton, Wayne and Stark counties and sold for scrap. Tools, sporting equipment, and guns are also believed to have been stolen by the three suspects over the course of the alleged criminal activity.

“They stole copper pipe and wire, tools, a generator, fishing and hunting supplies, pretty much anything they could peddle,” Zimmerly said. “Our detectives have contacted scrap yards and are gathering information.”

Holmes County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Chris Oehl said the investigation is ongoing into the thefts.

Zimmerly said stolen material recovered in the investigation indicates there are more victims than have already been identified. He is encouraging anyone who has not filed a report but believe they may be the victim of a burglary to contact the sheriff’s office at 330-674-1936. The Coshocton County Sheriff’s office is also assisting in the investigation and they may be reached at 740-622-2411.