Hastings seeing another outbreak in thefts from homes

A burglary was reported in the 1700 block of Walnut Street at 9:21 a.m. on April 11. Some $120 in cash was stolen from a purse.

The theft is similar to a recent outbreak here, where thieves are accessing service doors or patio doors. The suspects have entered the homes after seeing briefcases, keys and wallets that are left on counters near the access doors.

A theft from a vehicle in the 1800 block of Walnut Street was reported eight minutes later. A GPS unit was stolen. Access to the vehicle was gained through a service door.

Several other similar cases were reported this week.

Last summer a similar pattern occurred, where a thief was gaining access to homes through open garage doors. That suspect was ultimately arrested.

Police are investigating the recent thefts and in the meantime are encouraging residents to lock their doors and to not leave valuable items in their vehicles.

Tags: 3 crime and courts, news, hastings, minnesota, spiral, local