Authorities believe suspects in several thefts from rural areas in four central Missouri counties live in the area.
Cole, Boone, Callaway and Miller County authorities said Thursday the suspects case the properties during the day to see what they have and then come back at night to take the items.
In Cole County, the majority of thefts have occurred in the southern part of the county.
Tools, trailers and welders have been taken over the past several months along with garage items such as weed eaters.
The thieves then take the items and sell or trade them.
Copper is also being scrapped in these thefts and property owners have alerted authorities after going to local scrap yards and finding some of their property there.
Victims have also been cooperating with authorities by letting them see images from cameras on their properties that have been used to identify license plates and vehicles.