Our view: Work brings results

Every so often, television comedy programs will relate tales of inept would-be criminals leaving behind obvious clues.

The incidents are memorable--banks robbers leaving behind their home address by mistake, for example--but also rare. Investigative work generally involves piecing together disparate bits of information, sorting out the vagaries of witness statements (which are notoriously imprecise) and digging toward the break that leads to an arrest.

That Sidney's police and deputies from the county Sheriff's Department were able to detain at least one of those allegedly responsible for a string of auto break-ins this week was a combination of vigilance on the part of local citizens and persistence on the part of authorities investigating the crimes--and a bit of ineptitude on the part of the alleged thieves.

Acting on a tip, Sidney police checked on the home of James Russell. An alert officer spotted candy and other snack items. He was sharp enough to recall that the concession stand at Legion Park's baseball field had suffered a break-in earlier in the month.

In other words, while the anonymous tip may have led authorities to the suspect's residence, the involvement of Sidney's officers and their knowledge of events around the community were more crucial in the arrest.

Sometimes police and deputies catch a break. But they rarely do so without first putting in the hours, the tedious attention to detail and effort in the field. And it helps when city and county offices work together.

Would-be criminals brought down by a sweet tooth may be the story people share for effect. But solid police work is the story that people should appreciate.