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Three arrested in connection with construction burglariesBy Barbara Brown After months of investigation, three men recently were charged in connection with several construction site burglaries in Chisago and Isanti counties. Steven Scott Francen and Bruce Wayne Anderson face charges of felony possession of stolen property after their residences were searched to reveal hundreds of tools that apparently had been reported stolen. A string of construction site burglaries has plagued North Branch, Wyoming, Isanti and Cambridge for the past several months. On Dec. 13, North Branch officer Dan Meyer arrested Shawn David Wetther after a traffic stop revealed several tools and other pieces of equipment revealed to have recently been stolen from a construction site in Wild Ridge addition on the west side of the city. North Branch Police Chief said Monday that the other two men, Francen, 33, and Anderson, 47, were connected to the burglary ring after following up on the Wetther arrest. North Branch police received a warrant to search Francenís residence at 6771 Sunrise Road in Harris. After the Harris search, the Chisago County Sheriffís Office received a warrant to search Andersonís residence at 1355 464th Street in Stanchfield. Officer Scott Fitzgerald and his K9 partner Raven found 11 grams of crack cocaine when they were called in to sweep through the residence. The estimated value of the property recovered by police is between $20,000 and $25,000. Francen also faces charges of possession of methamphetamine and giving a false name to police. Anderson could face drug charges. The investigation is still underway more charges may come. Zimmer said some of the serial numbers had been removed from some of the equipment and tools found at the houses. He asked any contractors who had reported items stolen within the last several months to contact the police department to set up a time to look through the recovered items. Zimmer also reminded contractors to record the serial numbers of all their equipment so it can be trace easier if it is recovered after it is stolen. He said even if items are stolen locally, they could be sold anywhere in the country. The police are connected to a nationwide system that would allow them to search for recovered items using serial numbers. ©ECM Post Review |