MONTROSE, Colo. (KKCO) – Montrose Police are asking for the public's help after a dozen burglaries at local businesses in just three weeks.

Montrose Police say the burglars are breaking in by prying doors, locks, and windows open, and then primarily looking for cash.

Jo Jo’s Windmill Restaurant owner Marla Jo Ping says the burglars came to her place, and though they didn’t get any money, they did damage the building and her safe. She says she’s mad, "I work really hard for my money, and it really, really makes me mad that people are too lazy or too self centered or too selfish to get a job and they think it's okay to steal my money, or whoever else’s' money, because we work hard."

Over at the Shanty Restaurant, Manager Mary English says the burglars came through twice, and got away with cash registers and money, “It's sad because it's a small community and everybody's kind of fearful now cause it's happening to a lot of people."

Montrose Police Department Patrol Commander Gene Lillard says the number of burglaries the city has had in the past three weeks is as many as the city usually gets in a year.

He says the Police Department is asking for the public’s help, “We would love to hear from the public so we can round these culprits up."

The Montrose Police Department is asking anyone with information to call them at 252–5200, or Montrose Dispatch at 252–4021.

Police say these burglaries usually happen during nighttime hours, and they are asking everyone, at their businesses and homes, to keep
doors and windows locked and secure.