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Police seek information after rash of burglaries

Officials say white van has been seen at some crime scenes.

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By Dave Greber, Staff Writer Updated 10:17 PM Wednesday, February 3, 2010

WEST CHESTER TWP. — Police are investigating a series of home invasions that have left several local residents robbed of expensive electronics.

Police confirmed Tuesday, Feb. 2, five burglaries and two attempted burglaries have occurred in the past month and a half at homes in various West Chester neighborhoods.

The most recent happened sometime between 5 and 11 p.m. Jan. 29 in the township’s Devonshire neighborhood off Tylersville Road.

Craig Frederickson, who’s lived in the neighborhood for 12 years, came home from work and noticed a chill from his back door standing open.

Then he saw an empty spot where his 65-inch HD flatscreen television once stood.

In addition to the $4,000 television, a video gaming system, video games, digital camera, laptop computer and smaller 17-inch television were missing; in all more than $5,900 worth of items.

He also said it will cost nearly $2,200 to fix the back door thieves forced open.

Frederickson said the flatscreen was recovered a block away, tossed in the bushes, cracked and broken.

Thankfully, insurance — after the deductible is paid — will cover the lost property. But the Fredericksons still feel violated.

“I don’t like being at home anymore,” he said. “My kids won’t even go upstairs alone.”

Police said similar circumstances have occurred at other homes, including one instance where the homeowner watched as two masked men attempted to break into her home. When they saw her, they ran off and hopped into a white van police say has shown up at other homes in the area.

West Chester police Sgt. Joe Gutman said the thieves have stolen everything from televisions to jewelry to electronics and other high-price items. Most burglaries have occurred between the hours of 6 and 10 p.m. They either break in through doors or windows or find entries unlocked.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of two burglaries during the same time frame in Liberty Twp. In both cases, a white van was seen leaving the scene, Gutman said.

As a result, police are asking residents to remain alert and vigilant.

Gutman said residents are encouraged to make sure windows and doors are locked, even when they’re home, and that there are adequate lights on inside and outside the home. He also advised residents to make sure burglary systems are in working order.

He said residents may contact the department’s public affairs section at (513) 759-7280 to alert police when they are going out of town for additional patrols.

Anyone with information pertaining to the burglaries or other similar incidents is asked to call the department’s Tip Hotline at (513) 759-7272.

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