By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – The Humboldt Police Department is asking residents to check their home security cameras as investigators work to identify those responsible for a series of vehicle burglaries that occurred over the weekend.
According to a post on the department’s Facebook page, the burglaries took place during the overnight hours of July 25 into July 26 in the area of 12th Street SW, Elmhurst Avenue, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Investigators are asking residents to review any doorbell cameras, driveway cameras, exterior security cameras, or other surveillance footage recorded between 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25, and 2:30 a.m. Sunday, July 26.
Police are particularly interested in footage showing:
- A red Ford Fusion or similar four-door sedan.
- Two individuals believed to be male who were reportedly wearing masks and gloves.
- Individuals walking through residential neighborhoods, checking vehicle door handles, or entering vehicles.
- The red vehicle arriving, leaving, parking, turning around, stopping to pick someone up, or making repeated trips through the area.
The department says residents should not assume their video is unimportant if it does not capture an actual burglary. Even brief footage showing the vehicle or suspects traveling through the neighborhood could help investigators establish a timeline and determine their direction of travel.
Anyone who locates potentially relevant footage is asked to preserve the original recording. When submitting video by email, police request that residents include their full name, home address or camera location, a phone number, the date and exact time shown on the footage if it is not time-stamped, and a brief description of what was observed.
Police suggest using an email subject line similar to “Vehicle Burglary Video – [Street Name] – [Approximate Time].” Video and information can be emailed to jmiller@humboldtpd.com.
Anyone with information may also contact the Humboldt County Law Enforcement Center’s non-emergency number at 515-332-2471.
Residents who believe they may have been victims of a vehicle burglary but have not yet reported the incident are encouraged to contact Humboldt County Dispatch so an official report can be filed.
The Humboldt Police Department also reminds residents not to confront anyone they believe may be involved or publicly identify suspected individuals. Instead, any information should be provided directly to law enforcement.
Police say they recognize reviewing hours of security footage takes time but appreciate the community’s assistance, noting that even a small piece of information could help connect evidence and identify those responsible.