A rash of burglaries in Riverside over the past two weeks appear to be connected, according to police who are asking residents who notice any suspicious activity to contact the department. Police have few leads so far, but say that several people and a large vehicle may be involved in the incidents.
According to Assistant Police Chief Thomas Weitzel, four burglaries were committed in Riverside between Jan. 8 and Jan. 17. All follow the same pattern, although the burglaries have been scattered throughout the village-the 300 block of East Quincy Street, the 200 block of West Quincy Street, the 300 block of Olmsted Road and the 200 block of Maplewood Road.
Three of the four have taken place during work hours (between 7 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.) when no one was home. The fourth took place between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
In two instances, offenders gained entry by forcing basement windows. In two others, offenders forced the locked front doors of the homes. In each case burglars have taken jewelry, cash and electronic equipment, including cellphones, digital cameras and laptop computers.
In one case, said police, the offenders stole a 50-inch projection TV, which leads them to believe more than one offender is involved and that they may be using a larger vehicle to transport stolen goods.
Anyone witnessing any suspicious activity is asked to call 911. Anyone with any information that may be related to any of the burglaries can contact Detective Sgt. William Legg at 447-2127, ext 262.