REWARDS GROW FOR BURGLARY INFORMATION

Rewards totaling $4,000 are being offered for information leading to the arrests and convictions of the thieves who have been preying on the Cape Girardeau's elderly residents.

No fewer than 16 burglaries have occurred at the homes of older citizens since May, and police are desperately seeking the perpetrators. Unlike most burglars, who hit when no one is at home, these thieves break into houses while people are at home. If they continue their crime spree, the chances of someone getting seriously hurt or killed will increase.

Those who are committing the burglaries most likely have dropped hints that would make them suspicious. The time over which the burglaries have occurred, and the number of them, are working against the perpetrators. Sooner or later somebody will find out who they are.

The reward is large enough to attract that somebody, and anyone with information should come forward before it is too late.