MONTAGUE — Montague Police are warning local residents to secure their homes following a series of recent break-ins in town.
Four homes were entered through first floor windows that were left unsecured early Friday morning, two in the “Hill” section and two in the “Patch” section of Turners Falls, according Det. Sgt. Lee Laster. Items were stolen in each case, mostly money, video games and Blu-ray discs.
Each of the break-ins happened while the residents were asleep in their homes, Laster noted.
“Very brazen,” he said. “If you hear a noise in your house, go and investigate. People often think it’s just their cat.”
Physical evidence was gathered at the scene for lab analysis, but the department has no suspects yet.
“We would like to remind all residents to stay vigilant, secure your doors and windows at night and especially when you are not home,” a post of the department’s official Facebook page said. “When you leave your car make sure you secure the doors and we encourage you not to leave valuables in plain view in your vehicle.”
Residents are encouraged to call the Police Department at 413-863-8911, ext. 0 if they see anything suspicious.
Laster said air conditioners can be secured by bracing a measured and cut piece of wood in the window above the unit so it cannot be pushed up and removed.
Outside, lighting and motion-detecting lights can also deter theft.
“Thieves don’t like light, they don’t like to be exposed,” Laster said.
You can reach Tom Relihan at: trelihan@recorder.com
On Twitter: @RecorderTom