CHAMPAIGN COUNTY - Investigators are encouraging people to keep a close eye on each other.  It comes after a dozen items were stolen from one home in rural Champaign County.  In Crime Watch tonight, we'll take a closer look at the items taken.  The house broken into is near the Middle Fork Forest Preserve.  The culprits forced their way in through a back door on Monday, July 6th.  Among the items taken: a hunter green Sentry gun safe, a Meilink personal safe, a silver Sony Vaio laptop and a Gucci watch.  To see what the items look like, click on the video link.  Also taken several shotguns, handguns and rifles plus an Olympus digital camera, a Samsung 40-inch flat screen television, jewelry and cash.  Investigators hope rural homeowners will be suspicious of strangers.  Tony Shaw with the Champaign County Sheriff's Office says, "If people are coming by the residence to solicit for home repairs or yard work, make sure it's a reputable company.  Write down the license plate numbers for those vehicles."
Investigators say it's not unusual for the bad guys to case the home they're looking to target.  They add report anything out of the ordinary and share that information with your neighbors.  If you have any information, call Champaign County Crimestoppers at 373-TIPS.  You can also send in a text tip on your cell phone or a web tip .  You don't have to give your name or testify in court and a reward is offered.