Police Chief Jim Justice reported that his office will be cracking down on loud music in the City of Lincolnton.

"We've written numerous tickets over the last two months for violation of the nuisance ordinance," stated the chief. "Loud music is distracting - it could cause a driver to miss an approaching emergency vehicle or not hear a car horn."

Music that can be heard from 100 feet away is considered a nuisance, according to Georgia Law.

"We encourage people to be respectful of city residents and others in town and keep their stereos turned down," said Chief Justice. "If we can hear you way before we see you, you will receive a ticket."

In other items of information, the chief indicated that his department will host three classes for local residents in the near future: self defense, how to burglar-proof one's home, and walking safety. Dates and times will appear in subsequent issues of The Lincoln Journal.

Justice went on report that the following arrests were made recently in the city:

David Burgess, 29, of Lincolnton, charged with theft by taking (felony).

Douglas Overholt, 18, of Lincolnton, charged with disorderly conduct.

Christopher Bernard Davis, 34, of Lincolnton, charged with driving with a suspended license and possession of a controlled substance (marijuana).

Gail Hill of Lincolnton, charged with aggravated assault.

Wyatt L. Holsenback, Jr., 51, of Lincolnton, charged with DUI, driving with a suspended license, and equipment failure.

Patrick Thomas, 22, of Lincolnton, charged with two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Robert Jason Crook, 22, of Lincolnton, charged with disorderly conduct.

Martha Denise Reid, 41, of McCormick, charged with disorderly conduct.

Among the incidents occurring in the city were:

Wendy Davis reported that an unknown person(s) took her son's cell phone from his P.E. locker at school. The phone was valued at $150. The incident is still under investigation.

Carla Hill, an employee of Golden Pantry, reported that the driver of a dark-colored SUV drove off without paying for $69 in gas.

In a separate incident, Stephanie Elam, another Golden Pantry employee, reported that a vehicle, matching the description of the one above, drove off without paying for $80 worth of gas.

Chief Justice stated that an arrest is pending in the case.