Category: Local Crime Reports

Method Of Operation (M.O.) Outlined by Burglar

Gahanna residences experienced a rash of Burglaries during the spring and summer months of 2013. DNA was collected from one of the residences and entered into the national database where it sat until matching DNA was entered this year, matching that of Derek Zealer. Upon being interviewed, Zealer revealed information about his crimes and why certain homes were targets.

The following is information provided by Zealer:

• Two of the three burglaries he committed were near parks (Gahanna Woods & Academy Park) and in both, the getaway vehicle was parked at the parks. He also mentioned watching police respond both in marked and unmarked vehicles before leaving the area.
• Houses that backed up to wooded areas were selected for concealment.
• The M.O. was to watch people leave for the day and attempt contact within 5 minutes of them leaving by knocking on the door. If no answer, they would go around back and make entry.
• If it appeared as though the residents of a house were gone for the day, they would “Google” the address, find the phone number and call to see if anyone answers. If not, knock on the door and go around back.
• In regards to items stolen, they would only take items that could be concealed on their person or in a backpack. Items included jewelry, small electronics and handguns

Read the full Gahanna Police Report here.

Attached is the June 2015 Recap from the Gahanna Police Department.

Here’s the latest Gahanna Police report. Enjoy your spring!

March 2015 Recap

Here is this month’s Gahanna Police report.

February 2015 Recap

Attached is the January 2015 Recap from the Gahanna Police Department.

Chief Murphy says:

‘Tis the season for crime, so please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your family and your property.  If you see, hear or feel that something is not right, it’s not.  Call the police department at 342-4240, or if it is an emergency dial 911.

Here’s the Gahanna Police November 2014 Recap.

Have a great holiday season!

According to this month’s crime report, a home on Haybrook Drive was broken into. If anyone has information that can help, please contact the Gahanna police department.

Also note, there have been many car thefts in the Harrison Pond neighborhood. Make sure that your vehicles are locked and valuables are out of site.

Read more in this month’s October-2014-Recap.pdf.