N-B Feedback: Alleged theft ring members make court appearances

Preliminary pleas of not guilty were entered this week for five people allegedly involved in a slew of thefts last year.

The accused associates were arrested for several incidents around the county last summer and fall.

At least four victims were specifically listed in court documents.

On at least two occasions, the suspects were accused of entering the homes of family and acquaintances under the pretense of performing work and stealing items such as jewelry and garbage bags full of model trains.

Also, according to court documents, the suspects sold some of the items through at least one pawn shop.

Currently, Bluffton has no pawn shop ordinance, but Fort Wayne does, and it requires that "pawn shop dealers shall submit to the Fort Wayne Police Department each business day, all required data set forth by Fort Wayne Police Department regarding items pawned at that business during the preceding 24-hour period of operation."

Furthermore, the ordinance states that "all goods or articles containing valuable metals purchased ... shall be retained ... for a period of not less than 36 hours after its receipt before any such goods or articles may be disposed of or sold."

Should Bluffton consider a similar ordinance? Should pawn shop dealers have to wait before selling jewelry or any item? How long should they wait? Tell us in the comments section below, and learn more in the Wednesday, Feb. 26, News-Banner.