Hunting camps hit by coordinated burglaries
The Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of burglaries that occurred at local hunting camps throughout September, with several suspects now in custody following a multi-county investigation. Authorities say the crimes, which took place across rural parts of the county, appear to have been carefully coordinated and involved the theft of high-value equipment from remote locations.
The first report came in on September 8, when deputies were called to a property off FM 2408 near Moran. Several buildings had been broken into, and the victims reported that a Polaris utility vehicle, firearms, tools, and other equipment were missing. Deputies documented signs of forced entry at multiple structures and began collecting evidence at the scene. A week later, on September 15, another burglary was reported near U.S. Highway 283 South and County Road 191. Security footage from that scene showed a suspect tampering with cameras and breaking into storage containers. Deputies recovered two stolen utility vehicles that same day, and a third was found on September 21 with the help of local residents. Investigators credited quick communication from landowners and hunters in the area for helping track the vehicles and narrow the search.
Investigators believe the incidents are connected to a larger pattern of rural property crimes that have also affected neighboring counties. Several individuals have since been arrested on related charges elsewhere and are suspected to be involved in the local burglaries. Multiple law enforcement agencies are now sharing evidence and coordinating case files to link the suspects to the Shackelford County thefts. Evidence collected at the scenes—including DNA, digital data, and video footage—is being analyzed to help confirm their connection.
Sheriff Ed Miller said cooperation between local and state agencies has been crucial in making progress. He credited the teamwork of his deputies, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Callahan County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Highway Patrol, saying their coordination and quick response “were vital in recovering stolen property and identifying those responsible.” Miller said the investigation remains active as deputies continue working to connect the recovered items to owners and verify their origins.
With hunting season underway, Miller urged residents to take precautions and protect their property. He said firearm security and rural awareness are key, adding that everyone should keep all firearms secured in a safe and avoid leaving valuables unattended at hunting camps.
“If you do keep property at these locations, make sure you have active security cameras or other security measures in place, and keep serial numbers or identifiable markings recorded for your equipment,” Miller said. “These details are critical in helping us recover stolen property and hold offenders accountable.”
The Sheriff’s Office first notified the public about the burglaries in a September 18 Facebook post, encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity around hunting camps or vacant properties. Officials said additional updates will be shared as more information becomes available and charges are formally filed.
