Janesville burglaries

The Janesville Police Department is currently investigating a series of burglaries and attempted thefts that occurred the evenings of July 17 and 18, when, according to Janesville Police Chief Dave Ulmen, four break-ins were reported within a 24-hour period.

“That is absolutely more than usual,” said Ulmen, who added that break-ins and burglaries are not typical happenings in the Janesville community. Ulmen revealed that the thieves targeted cars and garages both in the city’s Northwoods addition and near Lakeview Park. While Ulmen said that there is “no solid information on who the suspects are at this point,” video surveillance submitted by community members indicates there may be a pair of men working together. 

Miranda Southwick, who experienced a break-in, said she realized her garage was broken into when she heard her garage door open at 3 a.m. Tuesday. Although she did not see anyone when she went outside to investigate, a recording made by her security system showed two suspicious men walking by her yard. During the break-in, Southwick said that a 70-inch television, which was “broken already,” was stolen from her garage. After Southwick filed a police report, she shared her footage on the “Janesvillian’s Daily Chat '' Facebook group, where other victims and community members have been discussing the recent criminal activity in the city.

To protect against potential burglaries, Ulmen encourages community members to lock their storage sheds, garages, and vehicles at night. He added that residents should consider investing in surveillance equipment, such as doorbell cameras, motion sensors, and night lights. “It dispels a lot of illegal activity if there is more light than dark,” said Ulmen.

Anyone with information or footage pertaining to the suspected burglars is asked to call the Janesville Police Department using the non-emergency line at 507-234-5111 or the non-emergency Waseca County Dispatch line at 507-835-0500. Tips can also be delivered in person at the Janesville Police Department during its normal operating hours. Ulmen added that if residents see potential criminal activity firsthand, they are encouraged to call 911. Ulmen said that updates pertaining to this investigation will be posted to the Janesville Police Department’s Facebook page as progress is made.