Wisconsin police tell locals to lock their doors after two convicted kidnappers escape from prison

‘These individuals are considered dangerous’

Residents in Wisconsin were told to lock their doors, after two inmates escaped from a maximum security prison.

The inmates, 37-year-old James Newman and 46-year-old Thomas Deering, escaped from the Columbia Correctional Facility on Thursday.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office’s released a statement on Twitter and Facebook, informing residents that the inmates had escaped.

“Report of inmate escape at Columbia Correctional Facility (CCI) please lock your doors, and stay home,” the statement read.

“See anyone suspicious call 911. This is an ongoing investigation. Both white males, James Robert Newman age 37 and Thomas E Deering age 46.”

In their statement on Facebook, they added that “these individuals are considered dangerous. Anyone that has information regarding the whereabouts of these escaped suspects should immediately call law enforcement.”

The sheriff’s office updated their Facebook post later in the day, informing residents that the inmates were no longer in the state.

“At this point the public is no longer in danger. We believe the suspects have travelled outside of Columbia County.”

Mr Newman has been convicted of kidnapping and theft and Mr Newman has been convicted of sexual assault and battery, in addition to kidnapping, according to NBC.