A dozen burglaries over a two-week period has Chestertown residents concerned and police busy.
The rash of home thefts from Kent St. and Mt. Vernon to Birch Run Rd, and the College Heights area have targeted electronic devices like iPhone, iPads and laptop computers.
There has been no pattern as far as time of day the burglaries have taken place. In one case, a family was asleep on the second floor when their house was entered but no injuries or confrontations have been reported from any of the incidents.
Chestertown Police Chief Adrian Baker told the Spy that in most cases the burglaries took place in unlocked homes and cars and many of them happened during the unseasonably cool weekend when many had their home windows open. In one case a window screen was pushed in to gain access to the house.
“I truly do understand that these burglaries impact beyond property and that people are feeling vulnerable and victimized. We take these burglaries very seriously and have boosted our patrols,” he added.
Baker also looks to the town for help. Along with making sure all homes and cars are locked the Chief asks the community to be extra vigilant and to call 911 if they see any suspicious activity. He also would like homeowners to know that an officer from the Department could visit homes to offer additional tips on protecting their property. “Better outside lighting, trimming hedges that obscure activity around the house, keeping valuables out of sight, that sort of thing goes a long way to discouraging burglars.”
The cases are ongoing. No arrests have been made.
To read an interesting burglary prevention newsletter, go here.
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