Since the beginning of July, the southwest portion of Cass County (Milton, Howard, Jefferson, Ontwa and Pokagon townships) has been experiencing an increase in daytime burglaries of homes where the residents are not home at the time.

The burglaries are occurring thoughout the day from the early morning hours to the early evening hours.

Thieves seem to be targeting windows and sliding doors that are left open or easily accessed. They then enter and steal various items including electronics and jewelry.

There have been reports that suspects are using various vehicles and may case a neighborhood by knocking on the doors and asking questions either about items in yard or directions. If someone answers the suspects move on, if not, they break in.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office encourages all citizens to report any suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Office immediately by calling the non-emergency number of Cass County Central Dispatch at (269) 445-1560.

Tips as to who may be committing these burglaries should be called in to Crime Stoppers at (800) 342-STOP (7867).

In Edwardsburg, the Ontwa Township and Edwardsburg police reported an arrest Tuesday after a vehicle was stopped for traffic violations.

The vehicle a white, box style truck had been used in the commission of larcenies from homes during the day.

Police were aware to keep an eye out for such a vehicle which showed up in Edwardsburg Village.

An arrest was made for the traffic violation which lead to other charges which are forthcoming for the driver and several others involved in the daytime breakins and larcenies.

Some of the items recovered have not been identified to owners at this time.

Chief Kenneth Wray feels that some victims have not realized items have been stolen from garages or construction sites.

More information will follow as information about these items becomes available.

If you have information to report that could help lead to an arrest in this crime/criminal activity, please contactt the Ontwa Township-Edwardsburg police.

The Ontwa Township-Edwardsburg Police also recently released information about another recent incident of criminal activity in the area.

Officers reportedly stopped a vehicle for speeding on Elkhart Road last week and found the driver had a valid warrant issued for his arrest.

A four-by-four all terrain vehicle was found in the rear of the truck.

Upon further investigation with the help of the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, it was determined the property inside of the truck and the bed of the pickup had all beenn stolen.

The owner of the property was contacted and varified the property did belong to him.

Two suspects were arrested on possession of stolen property and warrants.

Police are encouraging anyone with information to report that could help lead to an arrest in this crime/criminal activity, to do so immediately.