Local police are investigating a possible connection between home break-ins in Northville, Pittsfield and Plymouth.
Authorities in Northville said they have had five home break-ins in the past seven days. They say that is much higher compared to the same time last year.
“In our area it’s the west end but we’re seeing a trend throughout several communities in the area,” Lt. Paul Tennies said.
Many of the break-ins have been caught on camera, leading authorities to think they may be connected. In each video a white masked man is seen. Police believe the suspect visits the properties he is planning to rob days in advance to learn the home owners' routine.
In one case, Sandy and Gregory Young said days before their home was broken into, and more than $300,000 in jewelry and family heirlooms were stolen, they saw a man for a couple of days walking back and forth on their property. The break-in happened that same week.
“My husband noticed that the screen was laying across the floor in here so he went running to the bedroom to get a gun,” Sandy said.
Police say in many of these situations, thieves are looking for crimes of opportunity. Residents should look for ways to avoid becoming a victim.
“Because these are crimes of opportunity, we look to our partners in the community to assist us by locking their doors, putting (away) their valuables and using their alarms actively if you have them,” Tennies said.
