Homes near Harrisburg targeted in recent break-ins

The Boone County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a string of home burglaries that happened over the past month in the Harrisburg area.

Detective Tom O’Sullivan said based on similarities and locations, it’s possible the break-ins are related.

The first happened on November 27 in the 5700 block of West Wilhite Road. Deputies were unable to determine how the burglar or burglars made their way inside the home.

A second burglary happened on December 22 in the 8600 block of Route E. The third was on December 29 in the 13300 block of Bethlehem Road. Deputies said both homes were forced into.

Detective O’Sullivan said the department tends to investigate more burglaries around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“Burglars know that people have more items of value in their home at this time,” he said. “They know people are gone visiting friends and relatives. So it’s not unusual for burglaries to spike around this time of the year.”

Jewelry, a gun and cash were among the items stolen from the three homes. All three burglaries happened during the daytime, which Detective O’Sullivan also said is common.

He advises residents to make sure their doors and windows are locked at all times. He also recommends trying to make it look the home is occupied by leaving on a TV, lights or leaving a locked car in the driveway.

O’Sullivan said it’s important for residents to report and suspicious activity.

“Sometimes people are reluctant to pick up the phone and call 911 when they see something because they’re afraid they’ll be embarrassed or there’s nothing to what they say,” he said. “But we would rather come out and check it than you not call and have to process a burglary scene.”

CrimeStoppers is offering a reward to anyone with information on the recent burglaries that may lead to an arrest. Call (573) 875-TIPS to remain anonymous.