Cabin Break-Ins in Lakes Country - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

Cabin Break-Ins in Lakes Country

A warning tonight to check on your cabins -- authorities are investigating a string of break-ins in lakes country.

It's far from a warm welcome to summer. Investigators say three burglars may be connected to two break-ins reported last week -- one near Urbank, Minnesota, another at a cabin north of Ottertail near Buchanan Lake.

They may be the same trio who were arrested last month in connection to several break-ins from Otter Tail County to Benton County.

It has some year-long lake residents, a little on edge.

"It seems they kind of keep tabs on the places don't they?" says Martha Jensen, who lives along Buchanan Lake. "What right does anybody have to infringe on that privacy?"

She can't believe anyone would break into her neighbor's home. The family from the Twin Cities came back last week to a damaged door, their home ransacked. Another neighbor says he saw lights on that night but only thought the couple's son was staying for a night -- not thinking more of it.

"It's like the terrorists we deal with nation-wide," says Jensen. "I don't think like they do."

Neighbors say they've seen a lot more cars driving by here partly because of the for-sale signs. It makes them wonder if these people are here finding homes to buy or to scope out ones to rob.

"We're looking at the type of thing also but there are so many cabins and it's hard to tell if its broken into from the back of it. We can't get around every one of them by any means," says Otter Tail County Sheriff, Brian Schlueter.

Sheriff Schlueter says with traffic getting busier, it's time many cabin owners think about a security plan -- whether that's installing alarm systems or asking a neighbor or friend to check on homes periodically.

In the land of 10-thousand lakes -- with so many cabins, you'll lose count -- it might be best to find an extra set of eyes.

"It's sad that we have to take those measures," says Jensen. "If anybody needed help, they'd be there, right now."

Sheriff Schlueter says thieves are taking anything they can turn to quick cash. In the last two incidents, the burglars stole chain saws, boat motors, and five gallons of fuel.