String of east side break-ins spurs warning from cops
If you live on the east side, watch your goods.
More than two dozen burglaries, including 12 successful and 14 attempted, were reported to Madison police since the beginning of September in an area between Division Street and Cottage Grove Road south of East Washington Avenue.
The method used was the same in practically all break-ins.
The criminals either removed or cut window screens and came in through windows or doors, but some gained entry through unlocked rear or porch doors.
The burglaries took place between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., and in many cases, the residents had only been gone a few hours. Small items such as cash or jewelry were taken.
Madison Police Department Capt. Jilene Klubertanz of the east district sent an e-mail to area residents, advising people to secure their homes, even if leaving for a short period of time.
Watching out for your neighbor's place is good practice as well.
"Please watch each other's houses and cars," Klubertanz said in the e-mail. "If you see anyone you don't know loitering near a neighbor's home or car, call 911 immediately to report a possible burglary or theft in progress.
"Get as good a description of the person as possible, and if possible, continue to watch the person to give updates on where they were last seen."
Residents know who belongs and who doesn't belong, the captain said.
"While the police will be giving extra attention to the area and potential suspects, the residents of the area are the experts on who belongs and who doesn't," Klubertanz said.
Auto break-ins also seem to be on the rise in the same area, including thefts from locked cars and unlocked cars, and in some instances, car windows have been broken to gain access and special tools used to unlock cars.
It isn't known if the car break-ins are related to the burglaries.
