Wisconsin – Burglars in Dane County are using a new tool in breaking into homes: the newspaper.
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office said an unusual trend has surfaced in recent burglaries, where burglars use information gleaned from the media, such as obituary notices or ads for anniversary parties, to plan when to hit residences.
Deputies have responded to five such burglaries the past month, including four homes that were burglarized when family members were at a funeral.
The fifth and most recent burglary happened Nov. 14 in the town of Montrose in southern Dane County.
Residents came home from an anniversary party to find their house had been entered by someone using a rock to break a patio door, with many valuables taken.
All of the break-ins happened between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
“We encourage people to secure their homes when leaving, and ask your neighbors to look out for each other and report any suspicious activity immediately,” said sheriff’s office spokeswoman Elise Schaffer.
Schaffer added that it’s a good idea to record make, model and serial number of electronics and firearms to help law enforcement during an investigation, and to photograph valuable items of jewelry.
Source: The Cap Times
