Even though local police are receiving calls about suspicious people and vehicles in and around Warsaw, the number of burglaries in the area hasn't increased in the past two weeks, according to authorities.

A string of residential break-ins that began in May stopped on August 26; none has occurred since then, said Captain Steve Foster of the Warsaw Police Department.

"As of 8 a.m. Friday, there have been no additional thefts or burglaries as related to this guy," Foster said.

Thirty-six burglaries so far have been reported since May. In almost every case a house in an upscale residential area was entered, often at night while the residents were asleep and often through an unlocked door or window. Only small, easily carried items, such as cash, wallets or jewelry, were stolen.

Since the burglaries have occurred in and around Warsaw and Winona Lake, a coordinated effort between the Warsaw and Winona Lake police departments and the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department was developed to share information.

Foster said police are aware of rumors circulating about the burglaries. "There are several rumors going around which are no more than rumors," he said. "People shouldn't let their imaginations get carried away."

However, he also said that anyone with questions or suspicions should contact the appropriate law enforcement agency as soon as possible.

"We appreciate people calling and alerting us to people in neighborhoods they don't know," he said.

Foster and Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department Detective Tom Brindle emphasized that area residents should keep doors and windows locked, remove valuables from view from outside the house, and turn on outside lights.

"As long as the house is secure, there is nothing to worry about, Brindle said.

They also stressed the importance of calling authorities immediately if a house is burglarized or if an intruder is suspected. [[In-content Ad]]