SPEARFISH - Two burglaries were reported by Spearfish businesses Sunday morning. Sanford's Grub and Pub, and the Shoot the Bull Steakhouse were burglarized Saturday night, according to Spearfish Police Department officials.

Lt. Ross Johnson of the SPD said that as of Tuesday, nothing had been reportedly taken in either establishment but some damage was sustained to the facilities. The incident is still under investigation and law enforcement does have some leads, said Johnson.

"The validity and whether they are solid or not is still unsure," he said.

The two businesses are next to each other on West Jackson Boulevard.

Forty burglaries have been reported to the SPD this year; 34 burglary calls were made during the same time period last year. Sanford's has been victimized twice this year.

Two weeks ago, White's Queen City Chevrolet and Lucky Strike Lanes were burglarized. Both had an undisclosed amount of cash taken and structural damage due to forceful entry. It was also the second burglary committed to Lucky Strike Lanes this year. Between Aug. 5-8, United Methodist Church, Dana Dental, Graslie Dental and Pizza Ranch were burglarized.

Johnson said that there are a handful of these crimes that look to be inter-related. "Several do appear to have connections."

There are similarities when all the evidence is reviewed, he said. But, to say they are or are not directly related would only be guessing at this point.

Spearfish Police Chief Pat Rotert said Monday the investigation into the string of burglaries is top priority for his department.

Business owners can take additional precautions to protect cash assets by investing in alarms and video surveillance equipment. Johnson recommended business owners teach employees to be on the lookout for unusual activity and be diligent in their observations "Overall awareness and understanding is a great asset to reduce the risks," he said. "Nothing guarantees any business from not being a victim of a crime but a business that takes steps to minimize risks will reap benefits of their investment."

Anyone with information about any of these crimes should contact the Spearfish Police at 642-1300.

Contact Kris Garlick-Beaty at 642-8822, Ext. 20, or kris.garlick@lawrencecountyjournal.com