Homeowners should note suspicious autos, activity

Penobscot County investigators are warning homeowners to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity in light of 26 home burglaries that have occurred since Nov. 1.

Most of the burglaries occurred during the day when the residents weren’t home, reported Glenn Ross, chief deputy of the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department. The burglars hit homes in rural areas, including Corinth, Exeter, Stetson and Garland, he said.

Several people are suspected to be involved in the burglaries and authorities are looking into whether the burglaries are connected, although Ross said it appears that several burglars are working independently.

All were daylight burglaries and mostly cash and electronics were taken, although Ross noted that a loaded gun was taken from a Stetson home and a used vacuum cleaner was also stolen from a residence. In some cases, Christmas presents were taken, but mostly they were bypassed, Ross said.

In light of the “fairly high” number of burglaries, Ross suggested that residents keep their eyes open for anything suspicious at their homes and at their neighbors’ homes as well.

“The concept of neighborhood watch is very important here,” Ross said.

Because the burglars likely drive along roads looking for unoccupied homes, Ross said residents should report any unfamiliar vehicles driving back and forth along the road or pulling into various driveways.