(KNZA)--Following a Thursday morning southeast Jackson County home invasion, which follows a rash of other similar burglaries in recent weeks, Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse is working to keep residents safe. “A lot of times people, when they see something suspicious, they're worried that they're going to bother us, but that's why we pay taxes, that's what we're there to do,” Morse tells MSC News. “Anytime there is somebody that's suspicious, or a suspicious situation, they need to call law enforcement immediately.”

Morse says the homes that have been targeted in the recent crimes are those hidden from the road by trees and shrubs or those that have long driveways. He recommends that homeowners take certain steps to avoid becoming a victim. “People need to make their houses appear to be occupied. A lot of  times people are driving to the city to work, [so] they need to park vehicles at a place, maybe a spare vehicle, where they normally park their regular vehicle. Whatever they can do to make their house appear to be occupied.”

Morse also says constant awareness of suspicious happenings is a key to staying safe. “Neighbors really need to be checking on each other. You see something in your neighborhood, or someone in your neighborhood, that just doesn't really fit there, doesn't look right, someone you don't normally see, feel free to call us because that's what we're here to do. If it turns out to be nothing then it's nothing. It's better to be safe than sorry.” 

During Thursday's home invasion, a juvenile at the home was able to gain a detailed description of two suspects and their vehicle. 

Both men were white, with the driver described as a 30-something with a slightly muscular build, short blondish hair and a darker short beard, with yellowed teeth, wearing a green and white horizontally thin striped polo shirt with khaki shorts. 

The second man was spotted in the rear passenger side of the dirty dark blue box style passenger car, with rusty wheels, a donut style spare tire, tinted windows, and a possibly cracked windshield. 

The driver forced entry into the child's home, but fled when confronted by the youth who has already called 911. 

Morse says anyone with information about the suspects, or any of the recent burglaries, should call him at 785-364-2251.