WARREN TOWNSHIP — The police department and trustees are advising residents to be cautious following recent break-ins in the township and neighboring communities.

Police Chief Ben Harrell told officials and residents at Tuesday’s meeting that there have been break-ins of vehicles in the Meadowbrook area. Police are looking for a white panel van with no windows on the sides or in the back.

Harrell said police departments in Howland, Champion and Warren also reported recent vehicle break-ins with the same vehicle description.

Trustee Ed Anthony said residents need to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

He said vehicles, houses and garages need to be locked, noting this is the time of year when such crimes increase.

“Contact the police if you see anything unusual. This is the time of year when thefts often occur,” he said.

Fire Chief Joseph Natali said residents also need to be aware of packages left on front doorsteps. He said some people going to get the packages have been attacked and the package stolen.

“We ask people to be vigilant and aware of what is happening in their neighborhoods,” Natali said.

Harrell said cellphones, money and a gun were taken from vehicles.

In other business, interim Road Superintendent David King said a waterline installation project is underway on Bane Street and will be on Miller Street next week. King said the project includes five to six hydrants being installed.

King said after work is done on Highland and Dover streets, work then will begin on the sewer plant in January.

Trustees said Woodford Excavating will handle the first phase of the Meadowbrook sanitary sewer project with A.P. O’Horo for design build and general contractor for the $13 million sewer plant project.

In another matter, Anthony said DLZ, which did a study on the Leavittsburg Dam, has been in contact with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to get information on whether funds received from removal of the dam can be used for an alternate project that does not involve dam removal.

He said the material is being gathered for the Trumbull County MetroParks board, which is looking at a possible alternative to the dam’s removal but needs more information.

The park board plans to meet Dec. 19.