KALAMAZOO, Mich. — After a string of recent break-ins, police are asking commercial businesses and construction sites to ensure they're locking up buildings and equipment over the long holiday weekend.
Just in the last couple of weeks, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said there have been four commercial properties targeted on the southeast side of the city.
One owner we spoke with said he had around $18,000 stolen including tools and a trailer.
"We just want businesses to be vigilant during this holiday season. We know a lot of these things are crimes of opportunity," said Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety's Assistant Chief David Boysen.
As companies get ready to take a long holiday weekend, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is asking commercial properties and construction sites to ensure they're locking up and securing their equipment.
"We’d like businesses to make sure they have good lighting and security camera footage is also very helpful for us. A lot of times businesses cover maybe the front of their business, but they don’t cover the back area where some of the equipment is stored. Any help with that would be appreciated," said Assistant Chief Boysen.
While Assistant Chief Boysen said they'll have extra patrols out, it's important these businesses stay vigilant as the groups are stealing things like tools, utility trailers and other equipment, which can be pretty expensive.
"It is happening overnight during the early morning hours, so after midnight up to about four or five a.m. seems to be when the crime time is for these individuals," said Assistant Chief Boysen.
They're also asking for the public's help in specifically looking for two similar trucks that have been spotted at targeted break-in locations off E. Vine and Fulford Streets.
"They appear to be white in color with either a red or orange stripe down the side. They are two different trucks with similar markings. We are really looking to identify who owns those vehicles to see if we can find them," said Assistant Chief Boysen.
Police said if you have any tips regarding any of the break-ins or information to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at (269) 488-8911or Silent Observers at (269) 343-2100.
