Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – In Onondaga County's northern suburbs, homes and neighborhoods on and off Bear and Buckley have been targeted for money, jewelry and tools.
At least half a dozen homes on Moon Valley Drive, Bear Road, Manor Drive, Briarledge and Chesapeake have reported daytime burglaries or attempts since June.
Four new cases were added in the past month.
It's not just homes; the thief has also been breaking into sheds. Think about what you keep in yours -- the sheds have become real goldmine for this thief. It's been especially easy, when the sheds aren't locked.
In at least one case, the thief cut a Master lock and got in.
Last month, thousands of dollars worth of tools were stolen, including generators, power saws, and leaf blowers.
“There are two different suspect descriptions -- some have seen one male and others have seen one female. There's a chance they are working together,” says burglary detective Tom Praschunus. “Given the area it's in, how they've been specific in what's taken and how they're going about it, we believe it's probably one person.”
These daytime burglaries come as a surprise to longtime neighbors like Diane Hall. She says they do look out for each other. They're very comfortable in their neighborhood, perhaps comfortable to a fault.
“I myself probably feel too comfortable. I won't be now. I'll be looking out, making sure people in the neighborhood belong in the neighborhood. If I see suspicious faces, I'll check it out,” Hall says.
While the Sheriff's burglary investigation unit works to catch the thief, detectives ask neighbors to stay vigilant and do what you can to lessen your chances of becoming a victim: Get a strong lock for your home and your shed, watch out for your neighbors and report suspicious activity right away.
Also, keep a record of all serial numbers of your personal property to help detectives recover your stolen goods.
