Comment on Police crack down on thieves before Balloon Fiesta

Police are cracking down on offenders wanted for property crimes before the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta starts. KOAT-TV reports (http://bit.ly/1ru9JMo) that authorities arrested 21 people Friday in one of several planned operations. Lt. Paul Szych says police are going after people with outstanding warrants and who are likely to prey on out of town visitors while they attend the Fiesta. Among those arrested were Julian Chavez and David Reichbach. Szych says Chavez was wanted to stealing high-end purses at a mall and Reichbach has a long history of property crimes. The Balloon Fiesta begins Saturday and runs through Oct.