A trio of recent home invasions occurring in Berrien and Cass counties might be related, according to police.
In two of the three break-ins, a white vehicle of unknown make and model was witnessed near the scene of the crime.
“We have leads at this point that we are running down,” said Det. Greg Sanders of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.
“We think they are related and hope to get a break on one soon that will help solve everything.”

Friday’s case
Owners of a home in the 2000 block of Bond Street in Niles reported their home was broken into between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Friday. A back sliding door was broken, and electronics and firearms were taken. The owner reported seeing a white vehicle.

Wednesday’s case
Another homeowner in the 1800 block of Briar Road in Niles returned to find her home had been broken into at around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Police believe she may have scared off the intruder. A K9 unit was used to track the individual, who was not located. The home was unlocked, and nothing was reported stolen.

Nov. 24 case
A homeowner on Broderick Way in Milton Township awoke in the early morning hours of Nov. 24 to find a person standing in the living room, according to Det. Kristen Daly of the Cass County Sheriff’s Department.
The intruder fled, and the homeowner reported seeing a white vehicle leaving the scene. A sliding door in the back was damaged, but nothing was reported stolen.
Sanders said it isn’t unusual for break-ins to occur at this time of the year.
“Unfortunately, around the holidays, incidences like this increase,” he said.
Sanders advised people to lock their doors and report to the police any suspicious people or vehicles.
Often, Sanders said, neighbors see a person but don’t report it, assuming it is a cable service person or contractor.
“People don’t think it can happen in their neighborhood,” he said. “Call us, and we will come check it out.”