Chaska police echo crime wave warning in west metro
On Monday, the Chaska Police Department advised residents of seven residential burglaries during the early morning hours of Feb. 14. According to police, the crimes took place near the Clover Ridge and Liberty Heights neighborhoods and areas surrounding Hundertmark and Bavaria roads.
Chaska police are actively investigating these burglaries and asked residents to check their surveillance cameras for evidence of suspicious persons in the area. Police also plan to increase patrols throughout the targeted areas.
The police department asked residents to start following the “9 p.m. routine,” which includes:
- Locking cars, house doors, windows, garages, gates, and sheds. This should include garage service doors that lead into homes.
- Removing garage door openers from vehicles that must be left outside. Park vehicles inside whenever possible.
- Turning on exterior lights, security cameras, and alarm systems.
- Bringing in valuables from cars, yards, and patios.
Orono was targeted by six residential burglaries in one night earlier this month. The police issued repeated warnings of growing property crimes in Mound, Minnetrista, and Orono.
Criminal justice data continues to show that a small number of career criminals are responsible for the overwhelming number of crimes committed. Community safety would be enhanced by holding offenders fully accountable for their criminal conduct and increasing prison sentences for repeat offenders.