2 homes, 1 business burglarized in northeast part of county

Press release from LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office:
The Sheriff’s Office is investigating two residential burglaries and one business burglary that recently occurred in the northeast part of LaPorte County.
The first residential burglary occurred on Jan. 3 between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the 4400 east block of CR 800 N. Forced entry was made into the home and several firearms were taken. Some of the firearms were kept in a safe, which was later found near CR 500 E and CR 900 N.
The second residential burglary was reported on Jan. 5 and occurred between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. in the 3900 east block of CR 800 N. A handgun and cash were taken in this burglary after the suspect(s) forced entry into the residence.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, Jan. 7, sheriff’s deputies responded to a burglary at Jenny Rae’s restaurant located in the 5000 east block of U.S. 20 near Rolling Prairie. Entry was gained by a back door being forced open. There was nothing taken in this burglary, however the store’s cash register was found outside.
Evidence technicians were able to recover physical evidence at the scene of all three burglaries. Investigators have also learned that prior to the residential burglaries, neighbors reported seeing a red minivan and a black coupe, possibly a Hyundai, in the area prior to the burglaries occurring.
The sheriff’s department asks that anyone who may have information regarding these crimes to call the department at 219.326.7700. We also encourage citizens to report suspicious activity when witnessed. Often these cases are solved and arrests are made following a simple phone call to report a suspicious vehicle or person.