CRIME ALERT: Burglars strike garages in Eau Claire neighborhood
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – Folks in an Eau Claire neighborhood are double checking their garage doors after a rash of burglaries.
Over the past week and a half there have been five garage burglaries on the north side of the city.
While some are simply making sure doors are closed and locked, others are preparing themselves in case the thieves strike again.
The night of July 19 on Oak Park Avenue, Keith Michals went out to his garage after hearing something fall.
“And someone had broken my door and took the stereo,” Michals said.
The thief or thieves also got into his truck and stole some change.
Not wanting to be a victim again, Michals said he decided to take action.
“I wanted to put cameras up some so we get the chance to watch them from the inside,” Michals said.
The Eau Claire man set up two cameras outside his house and one inside his garage.
He said they’re rolling 24 hours a day and are even equipped with night vision.
“Maybe if they do come back we can catch them,” Michals said.
Michals said he also installed a heavy duty side door to his garage.
Police reports show the suspects are hitting up both locked and unlocked garages.
Neighbors said the thieves are stealing everything from power tools to bikes to cigarettes.
Kayla Jackson said her car and garage were broken into on July 25.
She said the thieves made off with money and a GPS device and similar items have been taken from cars parked at neighboring homes.
“It doesn't make you feel safe at all. You wonder when you come home at night who's going to be in your garage,” Jackson said.
Neighbors said the garage burglaries have put them on edge.
“I kind of watch everyone who comes around now, just a little more suspicious. It's too bad it has to be that way,” Michals said.
The Eau Claire Police Department said it’s investigating the garage burglaries and wants to remind people to lock up belongings.
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