Watch CBS News

Burglary Spree Has Residents On High Alert In Several Burlington County Towns

By Diana Rocco

MOORESTOWN, N.J., (CBS) -- A burglary spree has residents on high alert in several Burlington County towns.

The thieves have struck in Delran, Westampton and Moorestown.

Police believe these burglars know what they're looking for they spend very little time in the house and always go straight for the jewelry box.

A high stake jewelry heist is Moorestown. Police say last Saturday thrives snuck in while the homeowners were away and took $100,000 in jewelry from the second floor master bedroom. It happened on the 900 block of Borten Landon Road.

"My daughter's wedding was on Saturday and they were at our wedding. They came back and found out that their house has been broken into," neighbor Rob Kestner said.

Neighbors fear the thieves were watching the home. They busted through a deadbolt on the back door while the alarm system was disabled because the homeowners were having work done.

"It's very upsetting. There's only so much you can do," Kestner said.

There have been at least four similar break-ins in Moorestown since the end of June in the neighborhood near Creek Road, less than a mile apart from each other, and others like them in Delran and Westampton in the last week. Those departments are all now working together.

"The method of entry was consistent with Moorestown, that's still being worked on. But I do think that they may be linked just based upon the items that were taken, they're going right for the jewelry," Det. Sgt. Roger Rogers of Westampton Police said.

Police have stepped up patrols and they are asking neighbors to take precautions. Stop mail service when going out of town, set appliances to timers to give the appearance someone is always home and keep an eye on your neighbor's house.

"I've got a deadbolt. I've got a firearm, I'm licensed for a pistol. You get ready, because you never know," Kestner said.

Should all of these burglaries be related, these thieves have already gotten away with more than $100,000 in stolen jewelry. Police tell CBS 3 they have several leads they are currently working, but they are asking residents to report anything suspicious.

Must Read Today's Top Stories

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.