SAVANNAH, Mo. - The Andrew County Sheriff's Department arrested two Savannah residents and two 19-year-olds Tuesday as it worked to solve a recent rash of residential burglaries and theft cases.

The state charged Christopher Thuman, 24, and Danae Howard, 34, with violating two statutes. Each defendant has been charged with felony first-degree burglary and misdemeanor stealing. Both defendants live in Savannah.

The charges stem from a burglary on July 20, said Andrew County Sheriff Bryan Atkins. The two allegedly entered a house and burglarized the residence with the homeowner present.

This is one of six rural burglary cases this month, and the department has increased patrols as part of an effort to stop additional crimes.

The state also charged Quentin Preis, 19, and Heidi Irwin, 19, with felony stealing and a second-degree trespassing violation.

In addition to the burglaries, there have been five cases of stealing from rural residences, the sheriff said.

On Tuesday, deputies responded to Missouri Route B and Andrew County Road 86 near Bolckow, Mo. Deputies arrested Mr. Preis, from O'Fallon, Mo., and Miss Irwin, from St. Joseph.

Andrew County Associate Circuit Judge Mike Ordnung set bond for each defendant at $35,000, All four are in the Andrew County Jail. All other burglary investigations are continuing. A warrant has been issued for a fifth suspect, the sheriff said.

Rural residents are asked to keep an eye posted for suspicious vehicles or individuals in their neighborhood. Anyone with information can call the Sheriff's Department at (816) 324-4114.