Edina police believe break-ins at 9 "affluent" homes may be connected
EDINA, Minn. — Police in Edina are investigating nine home break-ins which they believe may all be connected.
Burglars took jewelry, locked safes, expensive handbags and other high-end products.
The first burglary dates back to last June, with the most recent happening at the end of January.
Police say criminals targeted "affluent" homes on Annaway Drive, Woodhill Way, France Avenue, Coventry Place, Golf Terrace and Merilane.
Police believe the burglars use bicycles to get around without much detection, and then have a getaway vehicle nearby to flee the area.
"It is believed the suspects are not choosing houses at random and are watching them carefully prior to burglarizing them," police said. "It's believed the burglars are not violent and tend to choose unoccupied houses."
Police urge residents to install security cameras, alarms and motion censor lighting. Residents leaving their homes unattended for extended periods are also asked to call police at 952-826-1610, and officers will then check up on properties periodically.
Residents are also encouraged to register their home security cameras with the city's SafeCam program.
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The most recent burglaries, according to police, were Jan. 31, in the Rolling Green neighborhood and in Golf Terrace Heights, where houses sell for millions of dollars.
"Concerning that you even have to think about it," said Lori Tate, who lives a block from the home burglarized in Golf Terrace Heights.
Tate said she now makes sure to lock her doors, even when she's home.
"Even being out in the back yard, I try to make sure my front doors are locked," said Tate.
Neighbors said they are on alert and have been communicating with each other over email and social media ever since the burglaries. They said seeing cops in their neighborhood is a new sight.
Edina police said they have increased their patrols in targeted neighborhoods.
The string of burglaries points to a sophisticated group that targets people when they're not home, according to Lt. David Venne with Edina police. The group has also targeted homes outside Edina, he said.
"It happens everywhere, doesn't it? I used to live in Minneapolis. It happened there when I lived there, and now it's here," said Tate.
In a letter to residents, the city of Edina is telling neighbors to install security alarms and cameras.
They also said to lock doors and keep lights on at night when not home.
In the meantime, neighbors like Tate stay on the lookout.
"We're pretty good about watching out for each other," said Tate.