Burglaries and Break-ins

There have been plenty of stories in the news concerning break-ins and home burglaries. While these crimes are non-violent in nature, they lead to a feeling of unease and a sense of personal violation.

In one recent story, we learn of fast action from a cop preventing a burglary.

Police arrested Carl H. Parent, 36, in the area of High and Green streets after receiving a report of a burglary in progress to the East Green Street shed at 2:16 a.m. Tuesday.
Police spotted Parent carrying something in one of his hands as he walked away from the shed, then chased him down an alley, Millville Police Det. Lt. Les Watson said.
Police believe Parent not only broke into the East Green Street shed, but also attempted to steal a generator from a camper parked in the area, according to Watson.

In another story, the perp was caught hiding in a pile of laundry inside a house.

A Sassafras Street woman is being held on $50,000 bail after police reportedly caught her burglarizing a Center City home late Wednesday night.
Police said they found Gladys McLean, 41, hiding in a pile of clothes inside a home in the 600 block of Vine Street.
Police were called to the home around 11:15 p.m. for a reported burglary in progress. Officers found a window-unit air conditioner on the ground and determined somebody had just entered the home through the opening, according to a report made available Thursday morning.

These incidents are more evidence that we cannot afford a reduction in police services.  Not every criminal act involves gun-play between alleged gang members.

Increased police presence, of course, is not the sole solution. Property owners and local residents all must be accountable to ensure that their own properties are secure. In one case, an unsecured shed provided the necessary temptation to a person with criminal motives.  In another, access was gained by a window air conditioning unit that was not securely installed.

Nothing that you do will thwart a person intent on gaining access.  However, chances are that if you make entry more of a challenge, the perp will go on to easier pickin's.