The number of burglaries reported in Rochester since Jan. 1 has climbed to 51 with the report of four more break-ins Wednesday and this morning.
Police have warned businesses in the city to be extra vigilant, especially while opening or closing their stores.
Burglaries were reported Wednesday at Fantastic Sam's, 4662 Maine Ave. SE, Nail Bar Beauty Salon, 114 First Ave. SW, and Holsum-Taystee Thrift Store, 7 Woodlake Drive SE.
This morning, officials at Holt Title Guaranty Co., 1741 Second St. SW, also reported a burglary, with cash missing.
An analysis of the incidents committed since Jan. 1 indicates many of the burglaries may be linked, though no pattern about the day or time of the burglaries has been noted.
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Initially, the burglaries were occurring on the fringes of Rochester, said Capt. John Sherwin, but they've now spread citywide. Most of the recent activity has taken place on the weekends.
"There's really no rhyme or reason" to the businesses or locations targeted, he said this morning.
In several burglaries, a suspect was believed to have been observed outside soon after closing by employees of neighboring businesses.
If suspicious people are seen — especially those on foot who might be watching locking procedures, Sherwin said, "do not hesitate to call 911.
Due to the large number of actual burglaries, the Rochester Police Department has suspended false alarm fees for commercial businesses until further notice. Officials are asking that business owners contact their alarm company regarding notification procedures, ensuring that the first phone call after the alarm is made to police dispatch instead of the business owner or key holder.
Residential alarms are not included in the fee waiver.
Anyone with questions is asked to contact Sherwin at 328-6932; for crime prevention information, contact Darrel Hildebrant at 328-6890.
