Shorewood police encourage homeowners to be vigilant string of home burglaries

SHOREWOOD (WITI) -- Shorewood police tell FOX6 News they are investigating seven burglaries and one attempted burglary involving homes in Shorewood occurring since December 28th. Police believe these burglaries are most likely connected -- as the methods used by the suspect(s) and the items taken from the homes are similar in most of the cases.

A string of burglaries is unusual for the quiet Village of Shorewood.

"I mean, I am walking my dog every day and I'm not scared of anything," David Kunstmann said.

Kunstmann has lived in Shorewood his entire life -- leaving briefly for college. He lives a few blocks from some of the homes recently broken into.

"Talk of friends and my family heard about it. It spreads through the community," Kunstmann said.

Plenty of homes in Shorewood have security systems installed -- but not all of them.

"There's usually one a year or something like that that you hear about and then these past two. I don't know how many there's actually been," Kunstmann said.

Police say there have been seven burglaries in Shorewood since December 28th.

"It's been narrowed down to very small items like electronics -- small electronics and jewelry. Very easily carried and concealed," Shorewood Police Deputy Chief Kevin Carini said.

Carini says there are similarities among the crimes. It seems the suspect(s) strike when no one is home -- and enter at the rear of the home.

"2 p.m. until about 9:30 at night -- so the window is about seven hours, so we are looking at somewhere early afternoon to mid-evening," Carini said.

Shorewood police don't have anyone in custody at this time -- but they're encouraging homeowners to leave their lights on during the day, clear snow from their walkway and look out for their neighbors.

"If you have a dog that's probably helpful. Lock your doors and leave a light on," Kunstmann said.