Lincoln County Unfazed By String of Crimes

CANTON, SD - Despite the stack of papers on his desk, Wednesday was a breeze for Lincoln County Sheriff Dennis Johnson compared to the last week.

"Quiet is good.  We always hope things are that way," Johnson said.

The Sheriff and his team have had their hands full responding to the recent Lennox bank break-in turned high-speed chase and the daytime burglaries in Shindler.  Johnson said resources have been stretched and notes the department is a couple people short, but the department has managed these crimes with ease.

 "You get two to three things that take up a lot of time or you have a lot of evidence.  That can strain things a bit, but we have folks that are very good at what they do," Johnson said.

Lincoln County was not alone. 

"Whoever needs to pitch in to help to get the job done, no matter who it is, that's what happens," Johnson said.

Sioux Falls Police, Minnehaha County and the South Dakota Highway Patrol's quick response times came in handy for these cases.  Even though he does not see a need for additional staff, he says county commissioners have also been good at giving the department more funding when it is needed. 

"It would depend on if the trend continues or not.  One or two incidents doesn't make a trend," Johnson said.

A trend he would like to see continue?  Mindful citizens, like the ones who helped put the daytime burglars behind bars.

"When the people we serve are working with us, it makes things so much easier for all of us," Johnson said.