Sunfish Lake burglaries: Police tell residents ‘stay vigilant'

Sunfish Lake burglaries have residents ‘vigilant’

Authorities are investigating a rash of burglaries in an area of Dakota County known for valuable homes.

SUNFISH LAKE, Minn. (FOX 9) - Authorities are working to reassure residents of the Dakota County community of Sunfish Lake after a rash of burglaries that have occurred in recent weeks.

What we know

On Monday, authorities with the West St. Paul Police Department discovered a fourth burglary within the community.

In a message to the community dated Oct. 28, West St. Paul Police Department Chief Brian Sturgeon previously told residents that his team is "working diligently and employing specialized resources" to address three recent burglaries that police believe might have been targeted.

According to Sturgeon, investigators believe that the burglaries "may be the work of individuals with professional skills who may have inside knowledge about the properties affected."

"We’re trying to determine whether or not they have some knowledge, pre-knowledge, that the alarm systems are not activated," Sturgeon told FOX 9.

The homes were unoccupied at the time of the crimes, and resemble recent burglaries in other west metro communities, he says, including the home of Timberwolves guard Mike Conley in September.

More than 60 burglaries have been reported in at least 12 cities since one year ago in Minnesota - a trend that mimics this rise in crime nationwide.

"We understand the concern this brings and want to assure you that we are fully committed to investigating these incidents thoroughly and holding those responsible accountable," Sturgeon said in a statement.

Police are encouraging residents to remain vigilant, check home security footage and report anything suspicious.

Located just south of West St. Paul, Sunfish Lake has a population of 521 according to the 2010 census, and was first incorporated as a village in 1958.

The median home price in the city is valued at more than $1 million, and it is the home of Minnesota Twin Joe Mauer.