The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- The Kirksville Police Department is reminding business and home owners that unsecured windows and doors are an invitation for burglaries.

That reminder comes on the heels of two recently reported church burglaries.

During the early morning hours of Feb. 17,  the Faith Lutheran Church and School was entered through an unsecured door. No major damage was done, but monetary donations, electronics, and a safe including paperwork and electronics were stolen.

Then on Monday, Feb. 27, Mary Immaculate Church and School reported that someone entered through an unsecure window over the weekend. Money was also taken in this burglary.

Kirksville Police are unsure if the two burglaries are related.

"Sure, it's possible that they could be related," said Jeremy Cordray, a detective with the Kirksville Police Department.  "We haven't ruled that out. At this time, we don't have any suspects but we are following up on leads that we have."

The police department is asking that if you notice someone suspicious hanging around a church or business after hours, to please contact them.

Again, it's really important to make sure that the buildings are locked.  That there's plenty of security lighting around," said Cordray. 

"I doubt that any of the churches would have security cameras but that's always an option that we encourage businesses to have in the event that something does happen. "

Anyone with information regarding these or other crimes is encouraged to contact the Kirksville Police Department at 660-627-BUST (2878).