HARTFORD, Ky. — The Ohio County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man who was seen trying to break into houses in Hartford. Ohio County Sheriff Tracy Beatty also offers safety tips for children when they may be home alone.
According to Ohio County Sheriff Tracy Beatty, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, a man in jeans and a black shirt was seen walking around the subdivision off of Spinks Drive in Hartford. The man was also seen trying to make entry into several residences. Deputies with the Sheriff’s Office made several attempts through extra patrols to find the man, but were unable to find him.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many changes on most of us. One of those changes is that our children are staying home alone more often now than before due to homeschooling, virtual learning, and etc,” Beatty said. “With this in mind, we’d like to remind everyone of some home alone safety rules for you to share with your family.”
Below are several ways children at home can better protect themselves while parents are away from home.
- Keep all doors and windows locked at all times.
- Don’t answer the door or let anyone in the house (even for deliveries – they can be left by the door)
- Use Caller ID or an answering machine to screen calls. When answering the phone, never tell callers you are home alone. Tell them your mom/dad is busy and will call them back.
- Stay in the house until parents return home. Do not invite friends over, unless parents say it’s ok.
- No sharing they are home alone (or their location) over social media, video games or the internet in any way.
- In an emergency, always call 9-1-1 first (then parents if possible).
- Discuss different emergency situations and what they should do.
- Do not use the stove or oven.
- Check in with a parent via a phone call every half hour (or hour, if you prefer).
- Tell parents of any fears or concerns.
If you have any need for law enforcement or have information on the man trying to break into the homes, call the OCSO at 270-298-4444.
If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.
