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WESTPORT, Conn. Westport and other towns in lower Fairfield and Westchester counties, have been seeing a rise in residential burglaries in areas near the Merritt Parkway, Westport Police Lt. Vincent Penna reported.
The burglaries, Penna said, have been taking place on weekends in the overnight to early morning hours. The suspects are targeting homes that appear to be unoccupied with mail and newspapers piling up. The burglars disable any alarm systems and once inside, take time to go through the home, he said.
Early Monday, an attempted burglary was reported at a Darbrook Road home. At about 2:50 a.m., police said the homeowner reported hearing a banging on the front door. When the homeowner went downstairs, he saw an unknown man trying to open the door. The suspect fled upon seeing the homeowner, police said.
When officers arrived, it appeared as if the suspect had tried to get inside the house by cutting a hole through a panel on the front door. Officers also found a ladder propped up against the house leading to the second floor.
On Sunday, Oct. 2, a home on Crooked Mile Road was burglarized, and jewelry and cash were stolen. Police said the suspect entered the home by cutting a hole in an exterior wall on the second floor.
To avoid being the victim of a burglary, residents are reminded of the following:
? Hold mail or newspaper delivery while away for extended periods.
? Keep some lights on in the home. Timers on a few lamps or motion activated exterior lights provide the appearance of an occupied dwelling.
? Tell neighbors or family that you will be away and ask them to check your home so cars are at the home at various times.
? Lock your doors and set your alarm, including motion detectors.
? Do not keep all of your jewelry and valuables in the same location in your home.
Residents are urged to call the police if they hear or see something out of place on their street or at a neighbor's home. Residents are also urged to write down descriptions and license plate numbers of strange cars in their neighborhoods.
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