EDINA, Minn. — Police in Edina are warning residents about a rash of burglaries targeting affluent homes in their community.
In a news release sent out Friday, Edina police said officers from their department and other surrounding agencies have responded to multiple calls reporting burglaries in recent months, and are working to identify suspects.
Investigators believe the suspects aren't choosing targets at random, but instead are watching homes in affluent neighborhoods before entering and stealing safes, jewelry and other high-end designer items. They also say it appears the burglars are not violent, choosing homes that are unoccupied to avoid confrontations.
"Traditionally we don't see some of the higher-end homes being targeted or victims of burglaries," Edina Police Lt. Dave Venne said.
In some cases, video surveillance systems show a suspect riding to and from the home on a bicycle. Police believe that is likely to avoid detection and believe the bike is then ridden to a getaway vehicle nearby.
Residents started a neighborhood watch program and told KARE 11 that 71 people have joined to help share information and watch each other's homes.
Edina police are providing extra patrols in neighborhoods that have been targeted, but advise residents to take these additional measures.
- Install security alarms in your home and always set them when leaving your home.
- If possible, have your alarm monitoring company contact police immediately and not attempt to contact you first.
- Install security cameras and lights outside of your home and keep them on at night.
- Install security cameras that can be monitored by you through your cell phone.
- Make sure all doors and windows are locked when leaving your home.
- Leave on a few lights in your home to make it look like someone is home when you are not.
- Call 952-826-1610 to notify Edina dispatch when you are leaving your home for an extended period of time. Officers will check in on your property periodically for any suspicious activity. Also, let your neighbors know that you will be gone.
- Register your cameras with Edina’s SafeCam program. In the event a crime has occurred in your neighborhood, Edina Police will have your contact information for you to check your cameras for any useful footage. Register at the Edina police website.
- If you see something, say something. All suspicious activity should be reported by calling 911.
Anyone with information that could shed light on the rash of burglaries or those responsible is asked to call Edina police at 952-826-1600.
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