St. Cloud Police Educate As They Investigate Burglaries

ST. CLOUD -- We told you recently that more burglaries are occurring in St. Cloud compared to last year. But, don't think the St. Cloud Police Department isn't aware of the situation.

Speaking on WJON this morning Police Chief Dennis Ballantine says they have created a task force to specifically investigate the break-ins.

But Ballantine adds that you can limit the chances that you'll become a victim by locking your doors and windows and closing the blinds when you're not home.  He says many  times these are crimes of convenience and if someone sees a laptop sitting on a table through an open window, for example, they will take it.

The police chief says many times people who have substance abuse problems are committing the break-ins looking for a means to get some quick cash. He says a poor economy also can be a factor in the number of burglaries being committed.