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Two burglaries in subdivisions east of Warsaw are said to be similar to those under investigation by the Winona Lake Police Department.
The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office is investigating two break-ins to occupied homes that occurred overnight Saturday. Both were reported Sunday morning.
David and Colleen Eastis of Shagbark Drive in Hickory Estates subdivision told police that a purse and diaper bag were missing from their home; Vicky Patterson, of North Timberline Circle in the Timberline addition, said a purse was taken from her home.
Patterson's belongings were recovered from a cornfield east of her residence after the KSCO K-9 was brought in for tracking.
Mrs. Eastis said she heard a noise during the night Saturday, but did not get up to investigate. When the family got up Sunday morning, it was learned that a garage door had been kicked in and the items were missing from the home. About $40 cash, along with credit cards and personal items, was in the purse.
According to Kosciusko County Sheriff Al Rovenstine, the method used in breaking into the homes was "very similar" to that in the July 10 break-ins to four homes in Southtown Estates in Winona Lake. However, police are unsure whether the incidents are related.
At least one home in Warsaw was broken into during the past six weeks while the residents were asleep.
No footprints were found at the Eastis residence, but police were able to photograph footprints on a newly painted deck at Patterson's home.
