Police in Butler Township and the city normally would merit an enthusiastic cheer for the investigatory work that led to arrests in a series of burglaries that occurred in the two municipalities between Jan. 14 and Feb. 29. Indeed, the probe used good crime-solving methods.

That said, there also is justification for criticism. That's because both departments did not release the fact that most of the crimes occurred until after suspects were charged.

Neither businesses nor homeowners were alerted to the fact that late-night smash-and-dash-type burglaries were occurring in the township and city. Thus, they were denied the opportunity to be more alert and watchful, and to take special security precautions.

It can be said then that both departments were guilty of a disservice to the people, merchants and other enterprises whom they are employed to serve. Residents and merchants are justified in being suspicious about what other crimes those departments are withholding from them — causing them to feel more secure than is justified.

If the city and township actually are less safe than community boosters would like people to believe, it is irresponsible for the police to be the chief culprit perpetrating that lie.

It can be asked if both departments were fearful of criticism if their investigation failed to crack the cases; thus, the secrecy.

In the crimes in question, the victims included the Butler Intermediate High School, the First United Methodist Church on East North Street, the Butler Health and Fitness Center on North Duffy Road, the Irene Stacy Community Mental Health Center on Hillvue Drive, Linda's South Side Restaurant on Center Avenue, the Butler Beauty School on South Main Street, and a house on Homewood Drive in the Bon Aire neighborhood.

It's true that no law exists requiring police to inform the media or the public about criminal activity that's occurring. But it's in the best interests of communities here and everywhere that incidents of crime, especially a series of crimes that are believed connected, are reported so people can beef up their guard in an effort to protect themselves.

Instead, in regard to the series of crimes in question, both municipalities were victimized by the police departments' mistaken notion that it was best if nobody knew what was happening.

The people they are supposed to be serving ought to encourage them to rethink that troubling stance or policy.