Pocono News Section

Police Investigate String of Burglaries in Susquehanna Co.

Police Investigate String of Burglaries in Susquehanna Co. - Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 04:06AM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Saturday May 08 2010
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY -- State police are teaming up with troopers across the Pennsylvania - New York line to try and solve a string of burglaries.

Both sides of the border have been hit with a series of break-ins since late April. While investigators try to catch the burglars, homeowners worry about protecting their property.

Ruthann Bender of Gibson said, "That's pretty scary, you know, for a small town and a small community."

Like many people in Susquehanna County, Bender has heard about the recent rash of daytime burglaries, including 7 within the past week. While she's shopping in Susquehanna Borough, she's thinking about the safety of her home in Gibson. "It's kind of scary because it's more out in the wooded area you know where we live so we're going to definitely be on the lookout for that," she told Eyewitness News.

Intruders have broken into homes in Jackson, Herrick, Bridgewater and Harford Townships since April 28th. And just this past Monday, Susquehanna borough was hit with 3 burglaries. Bernhard Gruber of Lanesboro said, "That surprises me very much because it's a very quiet community. There's not very much things like that going on around here."

Burglars have made off with money, jewelry, electronics and even guns during their daring daylight crimes. Gruber knows one of the victims. "And they took everything... all the electronic equipment, all her son's Wii games or whatever the kids call those things now," he said.

The crime wave is making him, and others, consider being more cautious. "Well, I have a guy that's at the house that I'm going to start having watch a little closer for sure," Gruber added.

State police say the burglars might first knock on the door then break-in if no one answers. Troopers want to hear from anyone who's had a stranger come to their home recently looking for directions or asking questions. That encounter could help lead to arrests. John Glover of Susquehanna said, "Well, we've got good police protection here so. They'll catch them sooner or later."

State police at Gibson are heading the investigation into the daytime burglaries. They're also working with New York State Police in the Kirkwood area where there's been a number of recent break-ins.