After about 40 home and car burglaries in two weeks, Manitowoc Police are warning residents to lock their doors. They're also asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect.
The police released home surveillance videothat shows a person allegedly trying to get into cars on a driveway in Manitowoc. They told NBC26 that they believe this could be one of the suspects.
Police said they're not sure if it's one person or a group of people committing these crimes. The burglaries have been happening across Manitowoc, not just in one specific area.
"It's been really unprecedented," said Capt. Larry Zimney with the Manitowoc Police Department.
The burglaries began with someone going into unlocked cars around two weeks ago. Since then, they have escalated to entering unlocked garages and then going inside people's homes while they're sleeping. Items stolen range from cigarettes to laptops and tablets, according to police.
"It's very disturbing to know that somebody was in your house while you slept and it's an invasion of your privacy," said Capt. Zimney.
While some in Manitowoc said this will push them to start locking their doors, other say that's never been a problem.
"There's no reason to leave your doors open, it's an invitation," said Manitowoc resident Leon Mueller. "I never have and I never will."
Manitowoc Police say residents should follow that advice.
"What we're asking citizens to do is to be vigilant," said Capt. Zimney. "If [you] see something suspicious in [your] neighborhood, give us a call."
Police also said they're looking into another suspect with history of committing these kinds of crimes in the area.
