Police on Alert as Burglaries Increase

After eight residential burglaries since December 8, Upper Southampton Police are increasing patrols around town and asking residents for help.

“We need residents to be our eyes and ears,” said Upper Southampton Chief of Police Ron MacPherson. “Hopefully, that is how we're going to crack this.”

The incidents have all occurred in different portions of the township and police are working hard to find the culprits, MacPherson said during an interview Monday.

While there is no description of the suspect/s, police believe they are fleeing the scene using a vehicle.

The chief said detectives have gathered some physical evidence that has linked a few of the burglaries, but he can not be sure that all of the incidents are being committed by the same people. He said detectives currently have several persons of interest that they are looking into.

MacPherson said that while the means of entry typically vary, the coveted item in each incident is the same: jewelry — mostly wedding rings and other sentimental pieces.

He said the suspects, who have been committing the crimes in the late afternoon or early evening, are taking jewelry because it can easily be swiped and then pawned.

MacPherson said some the physical evidence from the Southampton cases matches evidence gathered from similar incidents in nearby towns and the USPD is working in conjunction with several local departments to solve these crimes. 

According to MacPherson, Upper Southampton Police usually deal with about 40 residential home burglaries in a year and several industrial burglaries, many of which involve people looking to steal scrap metal.

He added that over the past few years, while nearby towns have suffered spikes in burglaries, Upper Southampton has remained at normal levels and this recent rash of break-ins is the township’s first in several years.

MacPherson said residents can do some simple things to help to deter a would be burglar, such as securing all doors and windows before leaving home and leaving a light on to make your home appear occupied.

He asked residents to help police by reporting any suspicious persons or activity immediately to 911.

The Insurance Information Network of California recommends the following tips to help protect your home from a would be burglar:

• “Case” your home the way a burglar might and look for easy entrance points.
• Protect your doors with solid locks — 80 percent of break-ins are through a door.
  
• Consider a home security system that will sound an alarm if triggered. Leave blinds and curtains in their normal position.
• Don’t allow trees and shrubs to conceal doors and never hide your keys outside.
• Use automatic timers for lights, radios and televisions to make the home appear “lived in.” Lower the sound on your telephone ringer and answering machine.
• Never announce your vacation plans via social networks.