NEW BERLIN – The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of New Berlin Police Department have been investigating a rash of thefts centered around the Chenango Lake community in the Town of New Berlin.

The crime spree began July 4 with several stolen cars, then a home burglary two weeks later followed by a rash of car break-ins a few days after that.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Detective Richard Cobb reported Monday that investigators had not ruled out that the incidents may be connected.

“It’s hard to say at this point, but we certainly haven’t ruled it out. Given the close proximity the crimes have to each other and the time frame in which they were committed, it’s something we can’t ignore,” he said.

He explained that the Sheriff’s Office was handling the stolen car and theft complaints while the New Berlin Police Department is investigating the home burglary.

“Technically that’s their case and we have the others, but obviously we are all working closely together,” said the detective.

On July 4, police said four cars were stolen from the area around the lake.