A group of apartment buildings in west Ames have been targeted in recent burglaries.

The Ames Police Department has been investigating the string of burglaries in the apartment buildings — including University Plains — on Mortensen and Coconino roads, near the Ames Middle School.

A majority of students live in the apartment buildings, where Ames Police said hundreds of dollars in cash have been stolen. Laptops, debit cards and Social Security cards have been stolen, as well. Electronics have also been stolen from the apartments.

Ames police electronics are often the most burglarized items in burglaries, especially electronics like MP3 players, tablets, laptops and TVs that are easily portable. Student apartment buildings are often targeted because students often leave doors unlocked.

Police ask residents to report any strange behavior to the Iowa State Police Department at 515-294-4428 or Ames Police Department at 515-239-5133.

According to a press release from Iowa State University West Apartment Community Office, they believe that “the suspect may be going door-to-door checking to see if apartment doors are unlocked.”

“Solicitation is not allowed in our facilities.  If someone is going door-to-door selling items, call our office or the Community Adviser on duty at 515-460-6148,” according to the press release.

Iowa State University West Apartment Community Office urged students to keep their doors locked at all times. 

If tenants have any problems with the locks on their doors, they can contact Jensen Property Management at 515-233-2752.