Crime at Minnesota Trail Prompts Warning from Law Enforcement

Oronoco, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office is asking users of a popular recreational trail to be aware of a possible crime trend.

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Captain Tim Parkin issued the warning on Tuesday after the local law enforcement agency responded to two similar crimes in the same area in a span of about two weeks.

Parkin said deputies were called to the Douglas Trailhead in the 6600 block of 75 St. Northwest in Oronoco around 12:45 p.m.

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He said someone who had parked their vehicle to use the trail found someone had broken out one of their vehicle’s windows upon return. The victim reported nothing had been stolen.

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Parkin said deputies were called to the same parking lot about two weeks ago on the report of a person’s vehicle window being broken out and their purse being stolen.

photo by Andy Brownell

The suspect was found walking in a ditch near the parking lot, but not before that person had used credit cards from the stolen purse, according to Parkin.

Parkin called the smash and grab thefts crimes of opportunity. He is reminding the community to not leave items in plain view inside of empty vehicles.