Dodge County Sheriff Jim Jensen issued a press release on Thursday, warning residents that a rash of burglaries has occurred in rural parts of the county and no suspects have yet been identified or apprehended.
According to Jensen, six burglaries were reported between May 21-31 in the southeast portion of Dodge County. The victims have reported house burglaries, scrap thefts, tower copper thefts, a stolen ATV and a stolen handgun from an unlocked vehicle.
Authorities believe the suspects have been driving around during the day to scout the area for potential victims. The suspects are believed to approach homes that appear unoccupied and knock on the front door. If nobody answers, they break in. If someone responds, they come up with an excuse — like asking for directions.
"If a stranger shows up at your door looking for directions or (makes) other excuses, try and note the person's vehicle and license plate, if safely possible, and immediately report to the sheriff's office," Jensen wrote. "If a situation makes you question whether or not you should call it in … call right away. We would rather you call in 10 times and it be a false alarm versus you not calling that one time, resulting in another burglary/theft victim."
To report any suspicious activity, call the sheriff's office at (507) 635-6200.
