Got An Abandoned Building In Your Neighborhood? Police Need Help

You can't drive down a Minnesota backroad without seeing an old rickety abandoned building. They're actually really beautiful. These shells of a once thriving farm shelter are now sometimes used for storage and they also make gorgeous backdrops for senior portraits and engagement photos.

The Benton County Sheriff's Office says these structures also attract criminals. Their office recently took to social media to ask for the public's help keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.

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"Our office regularly responds to burglary reports involving unoccupied or abandoned buildings. Burglars target these buildings looking for antiques, scrap metal or anything else of value"

Because these buildings are falling apart, it can be difficult to lock them up or make it hard to break into. Criminals know that these buildings can be easy targets. So, if there is an old abandoned building in your neighborhood the police are asking that you keep a good eye on it.

"We ask that you report any suspicious activity you see at these buildings right away," wrote the sheriff's office.

And, it's alright if you don't have all of the facts. Your small tidbit of information could be the missing link they need to take down a burglar. When in doubt, report your information.

You can get ahold of the Benton County Sheriff's Office at (320) 968-7201. Their department is located at 581 MN-23, Foley, MN 56329, serving all of Benton County.

Dozens of community members on social media have been reacting and sharing the department's post. See what they had to say below.