Somebody doesnt like my dogs?

I know it is not strictly legal, but if the police don't put notices in the mailboxes on your block, I would do it myself.  That would get people talking to their kids.  You might even find out about a misguided PETA person in the vicinity.
 
If you put up cameras, don't tell anyone.  That might just transfer the problem from you to one of your neighbors.

This is creepy. I agree that the creeps might be letting the dogs out for other reasons so you'll have to be on your toes.
 
I think the video idea has some merit but I don't know if you will decide it makes sense to put in video equipment if you're going to be moving---and video will only help you catch the creeps AFTER something has happened.
 
Say they open your gate and one of your dogs is killed---I don't know what they could be charged with in your area. Is it illegal to open a gate? Even if they smash the gate open, you might just get them for petty vandalism.
 
On the other hand, what if you were openly videotaping that area---that would be a deterrent to them, wouldn't it?
 
If they knew they were being recorded they might go away. Heck, you don't even need to really set up surveillance equipment. [sm=lol.gif]
 
Get a couple of signs that SAY the area is being recorded and place them in prominent areas. Find a cheap, used or broken video camera and set it up within site of the gate but unreachable unless someone is in your yard. You could even put up a couple of cameras if you know people with old ones in a garage or attic.
 
Good luck and stay safe.
 

Wow.  This is why I'm afraid to get a fence.  The niehbor's behind us have a chain link fence that they've had to fix twice sence my husband bought the house 4 years ago.  The kids keep knocking it down when they climb over it.  They walk through out yard to jump over their fence.  We want to put a fence up because there have been quite a few times that I've caught some little rug rats picking on my dog.  Right now he's goes out on a tie out. I'm afraid if I put up a fence.  First off, because I don't want the kids to break it.  Second because if they do climb over the fence there will no longer be a tie out that they can walk around and Joey may attack them.  The only kind of fence I would consider is one of the steel, picket type fences, but man those are expensive.  The wood ones can be kicked in and obviously the chain link can be tworn down.

Well the bandits struck again! All the dogs are safe though.After talking to some neighbors the people 2 houses down has had their lock cut and found footprints in the snow from someone looking in the windows and one other neighbor reported someone looking in theirs.We fenced over the gate.It cant be opened now.It also has 4 locks on it.We also installed a camera.
It seems as though the motive may be to get rid of the dogs so they can break in.Since i never let all of them out at once this wont work but it is pretty scary none the less.I hope we are able to catch this person soon.I also need to talk to another neighbor who just moved in across the street.I have seen their dogs running loose atleast 4 times since they moved in.At first i thought they were jumping it but maybe their fence has been tampered with as well.

Have you called the police yet???
 
If not, call them.
 
This may not be someone wanting to break into your house while you are out---this could be some sicko who wants to get into the house/near the house when you are home.
 
Call them and when you are talking to them ask how many other reports of this they have gotten.
 
I am sending good thoughts your way as you deal with this creepiness.
 

I think it's GREAT that you're talking to neighbors and have fenced over the gate AND got the camera.  Being proactive is the way to go instead of ignoring it and hoping it stops.  Sounds to me like someone is either a peeper or wants to get inside your house.  We had problems similar to yours when we first moved to our new house.  It's scary and it makes me paranoid as heck.  I hope all the things you've done to keep you and your family safe works!