(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in solving a pair of burglaries in which multiple guns were stolen.

Sheriff John Merchant, in a news release Monday, said the burglaries happened on different dates at two separate locations.

Merchant said investigators believe whoever is behind the crimes has local ties and some of the weapons have been sold to other residents.  In light of that, the Sheriff's Office wants anyone who bought a gun off an individual--or has been asked to " hang on" to one--to bring the firearm to the Sheriff’s office so they determine if it has been stolen.

Merchant provided this partial list of stolen guns,  in hopes someone will have information on them.  

WINCHESTER MODEL 42 .410 PUMP
WINCHESTER MODEL 190 .22
BROWNING SWEET 16 VENT RIB SHOTGUN
RUGER M77 25-06
HENRY LEVER ACTION .17 CALIBER
RUGER .223 WALNUT STOCK W/SCOPE
WINCHESTER 30-06 FEATHERWEIGHT
WINCHESTER 12 GAUGE AUTOMATIC
LC SMITH 12 GAUGE DOUBLE BARREL
RUGER SINGLE SIX .22 MAG PISTOL
WEATHERBY .20 GAUGE OVER AND UNDER
REMINGTON 700 SPS .308
REMINGTON 1100 .20 GAUGE

Merchant noted area law enforcement have reported in an increase in burglaries and thefts,  especially in rural areas when property owners are not home. He said the agencies have been sharing information on the crimes.    

Merchant asks anyone who has bought items from an individual or individuals, such as  tools, chain saws, reloading equipment etc., to let them know, in case those items may be stolen.

Merchant is also asking county residents do everything possible to protect themselves against these unscrupulous thieves.   

Report any suspicious vehicles or people no matter what the time.  Use game cameras or RING doorbell devices to keep your place monitored.  If WIFI is a problem, there are game cameras available that you can access from your computer.

Trusted neighbors, family or friends are very valuable as they can keep
watch on each others property and notify law enforcement if suspicious activity is noted.