Police: Rash of Burglaries in Minot ‘Almost Overwhelming’

A spike in burglaries in Minot, N.D. last year has continued into this year, and police say the rash of break-ins has become “almost overwhelming.”

Authorities are investigating 16 burglaries in seven days, including four that occurred late Sunday or early Monday. It’s likely the highest count in a week in recent memory, police told the Minot Daily News.

“It’s almost overwhelming with the structures being broken into and the amount of stuff being stolen,” police Capt. John Klug said. “It’s taxing on everybody.”

Burglaries in Minot last year increased about 50 percent from the previous year, to more than 300, and break-ins of businesses, homes, churches and storage units have continued at a steady pace early this year. Police have said the increase might be tied to the illegal drug trade.

“Some with addictions have a $100-plus daily habit,” Klug said. “They are not going to make that kind of money and make a living on top of it. This sheds some light on that portion of the community. Narcotics are on the rise. Burglaries are on the rise. Thefts are on the rise.”

Police officers have increased patrols aimed at detecting suspicious activity near businesses, and some businesses that didn’t have security systems are installing them. The police department is encouraging businesses to record serial numbers of valuables, and telling residents to be extra vigilant and report anything suspicious.

“People and businesses are getting frustrated with it,” Klug said. “Every day it gets a little bit more intense.”