NEWTON, Kan. – The Police Department in Newton believe there may be a serial burglar who has been entering people’s homes while they sleep. The current series has eight known offenses, but they say a review of prowler calls over the last few months has shown an additional 16 calls which they believe were attempted aggravated burglaries. Plus, they there may be more that they’re unaware of.
They say that the burglar tends to ring the doorbell or knock at the front door to see if someone is home, then proceeds to check the door, or attempt to open the back door. In each case, the burglar has found an open back door or open garage door. This individual only targets purses and backpacks which are typically found the next morning outside of the residence with cash removed.
Police suggest the need to make sure homes and vehicles are secure. None of these breakin’s indicate forced entry and if residents can deny the presence of easy targets, they may prevent people from being victimized.
Police also say if a person is a victim of a similar offense, they need to report it, saying this will allow them to analyze the patterns and behavioral evidence, so they can put forth a plan to apprehend the culprit.
They also suggest that residents should look out for one another. If person sees a neighbor who has left a garage door up, or a car unlocked, notify them. If a burglary is committed in your neighborhood, there is a higher chance your home will be victimized in the successive months.
If you see something suspicious, call 911.
You can report a crime online at www.newtonkansas.com/police/online-police-reporting.