Waterloo Times

Sheriff Tony Thompson is warning citizens of rural Black Hawk County that the sheriff's office is getting reports of a large number of burglaries in the county.

Thompson says some of the burglaries spans across jurisdictional boundaries, KWWL reports. He also says the sheriff's office is utilizing more technology to aid in detecting unauthorized activities.

"While these burglaries span across jurisdictional boundaries, we are leveraging resources and technology to better aid in the detecting, tracking, and bringing the suspects to justice," Thompson told KWWL.

Thompson also says residents need to stay alert and vigilant. An early report to the police can foil many burglary attempts. He says the majority of the burglaries occur to homes when the owners are away on vacation.

"In order to help do this, we need the public’s help and vigilance. Many of these rural burglaries have been to residences that the owners are snowbirding south for the winter. Please keep an eye on your neighbor’s property and report anything suspicious quickly," Thompson said.