Multiple Reports of Stolen Prescriptions

As 3WC News reported earlier this week, Operation Medicine Drop was held the last Saturday in September.  The Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office, Wilkesboro Police Department, Wilkes County Health Department and Safe Kids Wilkes County held an event in Wilkesboro and collected 26,892 dosages of medication.  Prescription drug abuse has been a major problem in our county.  Thus it is not surprising that local law enforcement continues to receive reports of stolen prescription medication.  A Ronda man called Sheriff’s Deputies this week concerning a theft at his home.  He had given a friend a ride to his house.  While the friend was waiting for another ride, he entered the victim’s bedroom and took some prescription drugs along with other empty pill bottles.  Another man called the Wilkes Sheriff’s Office after he got out of jail.  It seems while the man was serving time in the county jail, his daughter went to his house and stole his prescription.  Charges are pending further investigation in both of those thefts.  Then a Wilkesboro resident called Deputies regarding a theft from his vehicle.  The man stated that he left his car doors unlocked.  During the overnight hours, someone entered the car and took his medications and some cash.  There are no suspects in that theft.  Safe Kids of Wilkes advises people to NOT just throw away or flush old prescriptions as this can contaminate ground water and streams.  Fire Marshal Kevin Bounds explains there is a safe way to get rid of old or unused medication during the year when there isn’t a medicine drop AIR  For more information go to www.safekids.org