Feb 2, 2015 2 min read

McMURRAY – Peters Township police are investigating a dozen reports from residents of the Stratford Manor section of the township who found footprints in the snow leading to their backyard storage sheds, but to date, nothing was reported stolen.

Peters police suspect there is a homeless person in the area, or someone might be looking for something to steal, said Capt. Michael Yanchak, who noted the area is within easy walking distance of Arrowhead Trail, which runs from Route 19 to Brush Run Road and is part of the Montour Trail.

The incidents, which occurred during the last two weeks, have not involved reports of sightings until Sunday, when a resident of Sheffield Lane spotted a person standing in the backyard at 6 a.m.

When police came to investigate, the person was gone, Yanchak said. Footprints leading to backyard sheds were spotted on Oakwood Road and Hemlock Drive, he said.

The Stratford Manor Homeowners Association was alerted by police about the suspicious activity, Yanchak said. Residents are urged to make sure their homes, storage sheds and cars are locked and to make sure they carry identification if stopped by police.

Yanchak said police questioned a couple of people and the investigation is ongoing.