By Lori Ehde
The Rock County Sheriff's Department is investigating a string of burglaries this spring that have disturbing similarities: many involve break-ins at residences, often when owners and their families are at home.
Investigator Clyde Menning said he has no suspects yet, but he had firm advice for residents.
"Lock your doors," he said Tuesday. "It's very important that people take that step."
He said anyone who encounters a burglary in progress should call 911 immediately.
"Give as good of information as possible," Menning said.
He said to immediately write down any identifying characteristics of the perpetrator to help aid in an arrest later on.
Above all, he said, don't confront a burglar if at all possible.
Although more burglaries were reported over the weekend, following are those reported as of Friday.
oDwayne Christensen, Luverne, reported a burglary on April 6 that occurred sometime between 9 p.m. on April 5 and 6:45 a.m. April 6. Someone broke into their residence and took cash and a purse.
oKevin Aaker, Luverne, reported a theft sometime between 3:30 and 8 a.m. on April 6. Someone took a yellow Panasonic Portable CD player valued at $200, one CD to cassette adapter valued at $15, one CD valued at $20, and one tan Gap purse valued at $30 from a vehicle parked in his driveway.
oTim Cowell, Luverne, reported a burglary sometime between 10:30 p.m. on April 5 and 7 a.m. on April 6. Someone came into his residence and took a purse with cash, credit cards and other items. The purse was located by a mail person in another part of town. Also missing was a pair of Bushnell binoculars valued at $35.
oBrenda Johnson, Luverne, reported a vandalism on April 9. Someone broke the glass pane out of a front window of her residence. Value is approximately $80.
oLoopy's reported a burglary on April 9. Someone broke into the store between 5:30 p.m. on April 7 and 8:45 a.m. April 9 and took an undisclosed amount of money.
oPat Arntson, Luverne, reported a burglary on April 9. Sometime between 3:15 and 9:30 a.m. someone went into the house and took a wallet from the kitchen. Value is unknown.
oMary McLaughlin, Luverne, reported a burglary on April 9. Someone broke into her house on April 6. Some credit cards were taken.
oDesign Craft, Luverne, reported a theft on April 11. Someone stole a Hitachi Slide Compound Saw valued at $499.
oJim Sonntag, Luverne, reported a burglary on April 12. Someone entered his home during the night and took an undisclosed amount of cash.
oDonald Kruger, Luverne, reported a burglary on April 12. Someone broke into his home during the day and took several items, including cash and a handgun.
oMichael Worlie, Luverne, reported a theft on April 12. Someone took his 2-wheel, fold-up aluminum Huffy Micro scooter from his front yard between March 29 and April 3. The scooter is valued at $90.
Last summer the Rock County Sheriff's Department investigated a string of burglaries that were much harder to solve, because they were apparently carried out by several unrelated parties.
Menning said if one of these spring cases is solved, it's likely that suspect is responsible for all the cases.
"I think if we get it figured out, it'll be one group of people that's responsible," he said.