The Scott County Sheriff's Department is reporting five burglaries in the last month all in rural Scott County and all with the same pattern. Authorities believe they are connected.
The burglaries are all happening during the day when people aren't at home so authorities want everyone to be on the lookout.
The area being targeted stretches all across the county, from Princeton and Leclaire up to Walcott and Park View, and all the way over to Buffalo on the west end.
The Sheriff's Department says they only have about three deputies per shift covering this whole area here, looking for anything suspicious and so far no suspects, so they need your help too.
"We really need the eyes of the citizens out there in that area because they know their areas," Lt. Bryce Schmidt of the Criminal Investigations Unit in Scott County says.
"They're going up to the house, knocking on the door, if no one does answer than what they're doing is they're forcing one of the doors to the residence and going in and looking for the jewelry and the loose cash," he adds.
It's the pattern authorities say is letting someone get in and get out with cash and jewelry, in some cases even getting away with sentimental items like wedding bands.
All the burglaries are happening off the beaten path, in rural areas where houses might be hard to see.
"I think they're more appealing because they're going to residences that kind of sit by themselves where there's not a neighbor close by," Schmidt says.
Those we spoke to who live in the areas affected are on edge and keeping a closer watch.
"It makes me uncomfortable and it makes me sad that people would do that," one resident tells TV6.
Still, residents say it doesn't make them think twice about living the country life.
"It makes me uncomfortable but at the same time, we're all NRA members and there's not anyone that would hesitate to protect themselves," the resident says.
"We love the country life, we wouldn't give it up to live in town if you paid us," another resident says, "I don't know if there's safety in numbers when it comes to people you don't know."
Authorities are unsure if one or more people are involved, but are hoping someone can give them the tip they need to crack the case.
"If somebody comes up and they seem suspicious, they're asking for directions or they seem surprised when you answer the front door," Schmidt says, "If they can get a plate or a partial plate and good description of the person and the vehicle that would help us out a lot."
Authorities advise residents to keep lights or even the TV on, park an extra car out in the driveway, or do anything to make it look like someone is home.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Scott County Sheriff's Department at (563)326-8625.
