Person of interest sought in local burglaries

Thursday, May 4, 2017 ~ Updated 3:30 PM

The Elmore County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in tracking down a person of interest in connection with a series of burglaries reported across the county.

As of Friday, detectives were investigating more than eight burglaries reported over the past three weeks.

Detective Kyle Moore from the sheriff's office said the crimes appear to be random and involve homes outside of the Mountain Home city limits. However, each of the burglaries happened during the day when the owners of these residences were at work.

In some cases, those involved in the crimes were able to get inside by taking advantage of an unlocked door or window, Moore said. Other times, they forces their way into the house.

The thieves took items of value from these homes, including an undisclosed number of firearms. Moore estimates that thousands of dollars of personal property was removed from these places.

The detective believes that those responsible could be going door to door and knocking on the doors to see if anyone is home. If a person answers, it's possible that the thieves are using a cover story stating that they're looking for a lost pet or other reason, Moore indicated.

On Thursday, the sheriff's office released a photo of a female they want to speak to in connection with these crimes with detectives currently looking into multiple leads.

"We are also asking the citizens to be diligent and pay attention to their neighborhoods and surroundings," said Sheriff Mike Hollinshead. "If you notice people, vehicles or anything that you believe to be out of the ordinary, please call the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office so that we can investigate.

Hollinshead also urged residents to lock the doors on their houses and vehicles. Homeowners whose residence is equipped with a "doggie door" should secure it when they are away from home.

"If you do see someone either at your residence or someone else’s residence that appears out of the norm, please do not confront them," Hollinshead said.

Eyewitnesses should collect as much information as possible about these suspicious individuals, including a description of the person's physical appearance as well as a description of their vehicle.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: