Downstate thieves target antlers

CARLINVILLE -- It's no moose on the loose, but authorities in two southwestern Illinois counties are trying to rein in a spree of brazen antler thefts.

Investigators in Macoupin and Jersey counties say at least 89 deer and elk antlers have been stolen from homes during burglaries since mid-November.

Macoupin County sheriff's Detective Mike Kostich says many break-ins have been during daylight and often on dead-end roads.

He suspects the burglaries are related to others in which such items as laptop computers and chain saws have been stolen.

Kostich says 65 deer antlers have been stolen in Jersey County, where Sheriff Mark Kalall says burglaries involving deer antlers began surfacing a few weeks ago.