MOUNT VERNON — Knox County Sheriff David Barber is reminding citizens to be watchful for any activity which seems out of place in their neighborhood. His advice is due to recent daylight burglaries in two areas of the county.
Barber said that last Wednesday, two homes were robbed in the area of Lucerne and Sparta roads, sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“At the third home a dog scared them off,” Barber said of the intruders.
In all three instances, the doors on the houses had been kicked in.
The sheriff said investigators believe at least two people are involved in the burglaries. Electronics and computers were taken during the robberies.
Barber said similar methods were used by intruders during a burglary around Bladensburg over the weekend, and another nearby in Coshocton County.
Stressing that crime occurs during the daytime as well as at night, Barber urged residents to be watchful of activity in their neighborhood.
“Too many people connect crime with it having to be dark out,” Barber said.
He said anyone with suspicions about unknown vehicles lingering in their area should contact law enforcement.
Barber said it is possible the burglars have been parking their vehicle near the houses they rob, putting the vehicle’s hood up and hazard lights on to make it appear disabled.
He said it is important to never let strangers into the home, even if they seem to have a compelling reason.
“They may say they have a baby in the car and need to use the phone,” Barber said as an example. “What we encourage people to do is if they encounter people at their house, offer to make the call for them. Do not let them in.”
Anyone with any information about the burglaries or suspicious vehicles seen in the area is asked to call the Knox County Sheriff’s Office at 397-3333.
Barber said the investigation into the burglaries continues, and deputies are eager to investigate any information the public can provide before another home is burglarized.
“We would rather send a car up and check the area as opposed to writing a burglary report,” he said.