Three residential burglaries were reported Thursday in rural areas south of Emporia, a short distance off Kansas Highway 99. All of the burglaries occurred while the homeowners were away at work, according to information from Sheriff Gary Eichorn, whose deputies are working the cases.
“There was evidence of forced entry found at two of the locations and one of the residences was left unlocked,” Eichorn stated in a news release.
“These people often knock on doors and if someone answers, they ask if a ‘Harry Jones’ lives there, or some other made-up name,” he said. “When the occupant says no, they say, ‘Thank you,’ and leave. But if no one answers, they go ahead and break in.”
Cash was reported as the primary loss in each of the cases.
Eichorn reminded residents to lock their doors, and encouraged them not to leave cash lying out in the open.
People who notice something suspicious happening are asked to dial 911 or call the sheriff’s office, 342-5545.
Residents who plan to be away for vacations or other reasons may call the sheriff’s Senior Patrol to have patrol members check their homes. There is no charge for the service.
Anyone with information about these burglaries can call the sheriff’s office at 342-5545 or Lyon County Crime Stoppers at 342-2273.