Weld officials warn of burglaries of rural homes

greeley» The Weld County Sheriff ’s Office announced Friday it is investigating a string of burglaries that began after the New Year.

Burglaries have been reported in Kersey, Gill, Galeton, Briggsdale and Hereford, according to a sheriff ’s office news release. Investigators think the crimes are connected, as the burglaries have taken place during the day and most of the houses involved were left unlocked. In all of the cases, the thieves stole firearms and jewelry.

The sheriff’s office urges residents to lock doors and windows when away from home. Deputies also recommend valuables be stored in a secure location, not in plain sight. Firearms should be kept in a locked gun safe.

The sheriff ’s office is asking residents to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to the nonemergency line at 970-356-4015, option 1. Anyone with information regarding this or any other crime is asked to call the Weld County Sheriff’s Office at 970-356-4015 or Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. Tips also can be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website crimeshurt.com. Tips that lead to the arrest and prosecution of a suspect may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000 from Crime Stoppers.