EASTPOINTE, Mich. (WXYZ) — A community is on alert after a string of break-ins at Eastpointe homes and businesses. Police say there have been 8 of them in the last two weeks.
One of the victims is a 78-year-old woman who was home alone. They say it happened around 4am on Monday, May 6th.
"It was just so sad and horrifying. Anything could have happened to that poor woman," says neighbor Linda Welther.
She talked to the victim after the terrifying ordeal and was told thief had a ski mask and black gloves on. He used a brick to break a back window. At the time, the victim was in bed, but was woken up by the thief shining a flashlight in her face demanding money, jewelry and prescription drugs.
"He took all her family jewelry, her mom and dad's wedding rings. She said he was polite and that he just wanted what he wanted," Welther says.
Thankfully, the 78-year-old woman wasn't hurt.
Police say the same person may be responsible for a few of the recent break-ins. All road patrols have been instructed to give special attention to residential streets and businesses.
Tony Smith says he's noticed a difference.
"I've seen the police come around a few times little more than they normally do and that's a good thing," he says.
Police say most of the break-ins happened during the day. They've sent some evidence to the MSP crime lab for analysis. They're asking neighbors to watch out for one another and say if you see something suspicious, don't hesitate to call 911.
They say The Neighborhood Watch program response is going well. Several people have signed up and are ready to go. If you'd like to pre-register, you can email grouhib@eastpointecity.org. You'll need to provide your name, address, phone number and email address.
