Police reports out of Chillicothe show a sharp and unusual split: property crime has jumped 105% year-over-year, while violent crime is down 44%. It’s a pattern that’s hard to ignore in a city of just under 22,000 people, where even a few extra break-ins can shake residents’ sense of security.
Since 2019, 5,793 property crimes have been logged in the city. Most incidents fall into four categories: burglary, larceny, motor-vehicle theft and arson. The steepest increase has come in the past year. Ross County law enforcement points to three common threads:
- repeat shoplifting at large stores along North Bridge Street
- residential burglaries focused on small, easy-to-sell electronics
- ongoing catalytic converter thefts, often linked to organized metal resale rings
Pressure is building at home
Ross County’s economic indicators paint a picture of a community under stress. Unemployment was 6.2% in early 2025, well above the state average, and local wages aren’t keeping up with inflation.
Meanwhile, median house prices have climbed nearly 7%, and advertised one-bed rentals are starting to push past the $1,000 mark in some neighborhoods.
For many families, it’s a juggling act between rent, food, utilities and car payments. It’s the kind of economic squeeze that criminologists describe as a “pressure cooker” for acquisitive crime – theft that stems from need or desperation.
Drugs still drive a big slice of theft
That said, substance abuse remains a major factor. Ross County recorded 36 fatal overdoses in 2024, most involving fentanyl. By May 2025, the health department had logged 14 more. The county’s Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) warns that many survivors relapse quickly, and crimes like burglary and converter theft often follow.
Nationally, six in ten theft arrestees were under the influence at the time of arrest. The same pattern holds locally. Police evidence photos show lawn equipment, tools, and consumer electronics recovered from addicts attempting to repay drug debts – sometimes to dealers fronting pills laced with xylazine.
Why these items? Fast sales and low risk
Converters are a hot target because of what’s inside them: palladium and rhodium, both precious metals with high scrap value. A single converter can sell for $150–$300 in cash, no questions asked. They’re easy to steal, hard to trace and fetch an instant return.
Shoplifting crews go for gaming consoles, rechargeable tools, and small electronics, which are quickly resold on sites like Facebook Marketplace. Some local branches of national retailers reported multiple theft calls each month, while smaller downtown shops face smash-and-grab losses for things like tip jars, laptops and phones.
These items can vanish in seconds, resell fast, and leave little forensic evidence behind. Still, property owners using tech like motion lights or VIN etching are seeing fewer repeat hits, showing that low-cost prevention still works when applied consistently.
Police stretched thin, locals step up
Chillicothe’s police force, like many in the Midwest, is understaffed and actively recruiting. Patrol logs show only four officers on duty overnight citywide, leaving plenty of room for opportunists to operate unchallenged.
In response, residents have stepped in. Neighborhood watch groups have revived porch-camera networks, and ring doorbell footage has helped close several burglary cases over the winter. Detectives say community evidence is often key to catching repeat offenders.
Digital fraud
Alongside rising property crime, digital fraud is a growing issue. Experts advise caution when using platforms such as PayPal casinos or unsecured money transfer sites, as scammers are increasingly active.
The FBI logged $16.6 billion in U.S. cyber-theft losses in 2024, up 33% in a single year. Scammers are targeting everything from fake PayPal invoices to dodgy crypto platforms. If an email asks you to call a support number or transfer funds urgently, don’t engage – report it to [email protected] and delete it.
You can also verify any message through the PayPal Security Center.
How to protect your property
If you’re residing in Chillicothe and are worried about property theft, here are some steps that you can take to secure your home:
- Reinforce your doors: install Grade 1 deadbolts and secure strike plates with 3-inch screws. Use peepholes, especially on side entrances.
- Lock up your car: use a visible steering-wheel lock. Paint or etch your converter—it may discourage dealers from buying it.
- Light smart: install motion-triggered lights at 8-foot height to illuminate intruders’ faces without disturbing the neighbors.
- Keep your receipts: record serial numbers of high-value items. If stolen, these can be listed on national recovery databases.
- Stay scam-aware: avoid clicking invoice links in suspicious emails. Never call a “support number” inside a billing message. When in doubt, report and delete.
Final thoughts
The good news is that violent crime is down—so hopefully, when the current economic situation improves, Chillicothe’s crime rates should as well. But do take caution if you’re in the city at the moment!