Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Someone has been making it a habit of breaking into rental storage units in the Rochester area.The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Department has issued an advisory asking people using storage lockers to check them frequently to make sure their personal property has not been stolen.

Since last November, the Sheriff’s Department has investigated eight reported burglaries of rented storage units and officials note five of the thefts occurred at rental facilities in Stewartville. It appears the thief or thieves are simply cutting the locks and taking most, if not all, of the contents.

Officials say the total value of the stolen items is around $40,000, and in two of the cases, the reported value of the stolen items ranged from $15,000-$17,000.

Officials from the Sheriff’s Department are working with the owners of the storage facilities to increase security and install equipment the could help identify those responsible for the burglaries. The public’s assistance is also being requested. Anyone with information that could assist investigators can contact authorities through the Rochester/Olmsted County Crimestoppers webpage, sending a text to CRIMES, or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS.

 

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