Effingham Police Nab Suspects in Burglaries

Multiple calls were placed to the Effingham Police Department on October 23, reporting burglaries to motor vehicles in the area of HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital.

The first call was received by Bureau of Communications at 1:10 p.m., and other calls were received within the next 41 minutes to Effingham OBGYN and Walmart.

The Bureau of Patrol, assisted by the Office of Community Policing, immediately closed in to canvass the area.  Witnesses to the burglaries relayed exceptional descriptions of the suspects to the Communication Center, along with vehicle information and license plate registration.   

Shortly after the calls to the department, officers located a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle, conducted a traffic stop, and identified the occupants as Katelynn R. Olsen, 21, Effingham, and Dillon S. Beccue, 25, Edgewood.  Based on the descriptions given by witnesses, the two were identified as the suspects in all of the vehicle burglary reports, and were taken into custody without incident.

A subsequent consent search of the vehicle revealed methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, illegal prescription medications, and various items which had been reported stolen.  Detectives collected all evidence, which included items stolen from a local retailer, as well as recovered items linked to vehicle burglaries in Effingham and the Altamont area.   

Effingham Police Chief Jeffrey Fuesting applauded not only the responding officers, but also the witnesses and other members of the community who were willing to come forward immediately and report the suspicious activity. The members of the community provided detailed descriptions of the suspects and the vehicle.

“This is exactly how exceptional teamwork works – citizens of our community partnering with the police to bring about swift results.  Because of this partnership, stolen items were recovered and two individuals were arrested who are allegedly responsible for these crimes.  This is teamwork at its best,” praised Chief Fuesting.

Olsen was charged with retail theft and released on a Notice to Appear.  Beccue was charged with burglary, criminal Trespass to a vehicle, possession of Methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Beccue is being held at Effingham County Jail, and bond has been set at $60,000 with 10% to apply for bail.

Any individuals with additional information about these vehicle burglaries or other crimes are encouraged to call the Effingham Police Department at 217-347-0774 or CRIMESTOPPERS at 217-347-6583.