Orono P.D. Issues Crime Alert as Thieves Target Expensive Homes

Information provided by the Orono Police Department

The Orono Police Department issued a crime alert late last week after a resident interrupted the burglary of their home. The suspects were described as being a "heavy set white male and female" in their late 20s.

The interrupted burglary was the latest in a string of daytime home invasions in the area. Police say thieves are targeting "expensive homes near county roads" and are primarily seeking jewelry and silver.

"In the last year we have seen a trend in property crimes," Investigative Sergeant Chris Fischer wrote in the crime alert issued Aug. 3. "A significant portion of this trend is due to the increase in heroin use among young people in our community."

Fischer went on to write that the trend includes thefts from motor vehicles and burglaries of garages. Residents are being asked not to keep valuables inside unattended vehicles and to keep garage doors shut and locked both and night and during the daytime hours.

"The criminals seem to target GPS units, loose change, iPods and other electronics," Sgt. Fischer wrote.

Residents are also being urged to keep their doors locked, to use an alarm system if they have one and call police if they notice abnormal activities in their neighborhood. 

"A common ruse burglars use is to knock on your door and if nobody answers they will force entry," Fischer wrote. "If confronted, the burglar will say they are looking for something, like a dog or a friend."

There have been many different groups targeting the western suburbs, and no specific demographic of people is responsible, according to the crime alert.