Three police agencies are investigating at least eight home invasions during the past week in western Washtenaw County and are working to identify two men believed to be involved.
Washtenaw County sheriff's deputies, Michigan State Police and Chelsea police will meet with residents to discuss the incidents tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the old Chelsea High School board room at 500 Washington Street.
Here's a breakdown of the cases, which have occurred while business owners or residents were away:
Sept. 23
• 100 block of Dino Drive, Scio Township - A side door was pried open to a business and more than $5,000 in items, including a laptop computer and power tools were stolen. An employee discovered the break-in about 6:15 a.m. It occurred within the preceding 13 hours.
• 10600 block of North Territorial Road, Dexter Township - A screen to a master bedroom window was pried open, coins were stolen from a child’s piggy bank and a rifle was taken out of a closet, loaded and left on a bed. A woman discovered the break-in about 12:15 p.m. after being gone for about four hours.
• 9000 block of Joslin Lake Road, Lyndon Township - A man returned home to find things out of place. He was gone for a couple hours and reported the incident at 1:08 p.m.
• 20200 block of North Territorial Road, Lyndon Township - A home was broken into through a front window and a television set was stolen. Tire tracks were found in the yard. A woman reported the incident about 2:06 p.m. It occurred within the preceding six hours.
Sept. 24
• 1000 block of Haist Road, Lima Township - A home was broken into, setting off an alarm at 7:35 a.m.
• 18300 block of North Territorial Road, Lyndon Township - A home was broken into through a back window and a gun and other items were taken. It was reported at 12:44 p.m. and occurred within the preceding four hours.
Sept. 29
• 400 - 500 blocks of Fairways Lane, Chelsea - Two homes were broken into and cash, laptops and other items were taken between 1:30 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. Police said entry may have been gained through a window left unlocked at one home and a door left unlocked at the other.
Chelsea Police Chief Ed Toth said today that Tuesday's incidents appear to be related, but it’s unclear if they’re related to the other six.
Toth is encouraging people to lock their doors and report any suspicious activity, including if they see an unfamiliar car in front of a home with its engine running.
Michigan State Police Det. Sgt. Dale Smith suspects that more than one group of people are involved in the incidents. He also encouraged people to be vigilant.
“Hopefully, they can keep an eye on other people’s property,” he said.
State Police have released a composite sketch of one of the suspected burglars. He is white, 20-25 years old, and has brown hair.
A second suspected burglar, is described as white, 40-45 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 160 pounds, with brown hair.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 734-482-1211.
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