Platte County Sheriff’s Deputies believe they are nearing the capture of burglars who have struck several homes in the northern part of Platte County. So far the department has identified seven or eight burglaries as being similar.
According to Frank Hunter, sheriff’s department information officer, investigators are very close to identifying the persons involved the in burglaries. No further information about any suspects has been released by the department citing the ongoing investigation.
Hunter said the linked burglaries started right after the beginning of the year and the burglars have gotten away with “tens of thousands of dollars” worth of items.
The burglaries have occurred in the general area along the Highway 371 corridor. Areas hit have been between Weston and Smithville, north of Platte City and south of Dearborn.
A recent burglary that may be linked occurred on Thursday, March 6 and was reported at 1:15 p.m. at 17605 371 Highway north of Platte City.
On Tuesday, March 4 two homes along Jowler Creek Road were burglarized. The first was at 16905 and reported around 5:40 p.m. and the second was at 15105 reported around 8 p.m.
At the first home, the homeowner came home and found the garage door open. Construction equipment including a jig saw, air compressor, and some personal items from inside the home were missing. The estimated total price of items stolen is around $3,500.
The second home had the front door forced open. Many personal items, computers, cameras, DVD player and other electronics were stolen. The estimated price is around $5,000.
Another burglary occurred on Friday, Feb. 15, at 13435 New Market Road, south of Dearborn. Recent burglaries near Smithville could be linked to the crimes, but Hunter said it is too early to tell if they are definitely linked.
The sheriff’s department hopes to catch the thieves within the next few days.