FROM STAFF REPORTS / North Chilton Advertiser

A 36-year-old Jemison man was arrested Thursday and charged with burglary and theft of property. Kenny Lee Payne III was placed in the Chilton County Jail on a $15,000 bond.

On July 18, Jemison Police were called to investigate a home burglary at a residence on Eugene Avenue, where a safe, cash, prescription drugs and other items were stolen. After three days of investigating the case, officers arrested Payne.

Jemison Police Chief Shane Fulmer said much of the stolen property was recovered, except for some cash and prescription drugs.

“It’s not common that stolen property is ever recovered,” said Fulmer, in a press release. “I am proud of our officers and investigators for doing an outstanding job and delighted that we were able to solve this case and give the victim his belongings back.”

Fulmer said for the past two to three months, he has seen a sharp increase in home burglaries and thefts.

“Our investigators are working non-stop on all these cases with hopes of solving each and every one of them,” Fulmer said. “We have made three other arrests on separate cases within the past few months and will continue doing everything we can on the cases that are still open.”

Fulmer said he encourages home and business owners to take steps to protect their properties and to look out for one another.

“If you see anything suspicious, please don’t hesitate to call so that we can check the situation out,” Fulmer said.

Jemison Police Department can be reached by telephone at (205) 688-4491. In the event of an emergency, dial 911.