Police are investigating a string of burglaries that occurred throughout Columbia Borough in the last week.
The perpetrators are entering homes through unlocked doors and windows, during the early evening hours when residents are home.
The burglars should be considered armed and dangerous because firearms are among the items they have stolen. Residents should not try to confront them but should retreat to safety and call police.
Some victims have spotted the burglars, but police are not releasing their descriptions, Sgt. Adam Miller said.
Since November 23, purses, cash, guns, digital cameras, GPS units, loose change and other small items have been stolen from homes in the 600 and 900 blocks of Plane Street, South 9th Street, the 100 block of Chestnut Street, the first block of North 4th Street, and the 100 block of South 6th Street.
Losses could end up in the thousands of dollars, Miller said.
Residents should keep doors and windows locked, even when they are home and should not leave valuables in plain view through windows and doors.
Police are adding extra patrols and using camera systems in the borough to assist in their investigation.
Police ask anyone with information to call Columbia police Det. Matthew Leddy or Sgt. Miller at 684-7735.
Tipsters also may call Lancaster City/County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-322-1913 or anonymously text LANCS plus your message to 847411 (TIP411).
Personally, I hope that someone DOES confront these thugs, this needs to stop.
ReplyDeletePennsylvania is a castle doctrine state. I recommend a Ruger or a Glock to help in exercising your right of self defense.
DeleteThere was a man a few years ago in Columbia who woke up to the sound of someone breaking into his car. He dashed out of bed quickly and went outside to confront the thug. When he did, he commenced to beating the heck out of the thug. The thug received a bully beat down. The home owner received some time in prison. Go figure! I hope all tightens the security of their homes and businesses and keep an eye out.
ReplyDeleteCarmen
Hopefully, that kind of backward justice won't happen anymore with the new legislation.
DeleteI wish the police would release the descriptions so we'd know who we're supposed to be looking for. In the meantime, we all need to batten down the hatches.
i agree.. and it would have been nice to be forewarned of these robberies. so you are on your extra guard and more conscientious coming and going-only for a minute. i do find the lack of info on these matters very frustrating.
ReplyDeleteon the other hand. i DO believe the Boro police are up to their eyeballs in calls.....and it's LARGELY due to the fact that this Boro has WAY TOO MANY rental properties and WAY TOO MANY transcients. they need to find a way for landlords to sell properties and turn them back into single family dwellings. there's where they should spend money-NOT more mgmt
please, please see if we can find out more info on the b & e's. there was one on s 8th.
ReplyDeleteI'll report promptly any info I receive, but it's difficult to get details. I know the police are working hard to catch the burglars. I heard them on the scanner Friday night pursuing and arresting someone.
DeletePlease keep us posted on what you hear. I heard that the most recent burglaries they actually broke down doors to gain entrance. Also saw police at a home near 10th and Locust Streets this morning, and am wondering if this was a victim?
ReplyDeleteThis situation is really getting worse. I hope the police catch them soon. I wish they would release a description of the burglars and any other information they have.
Deletei think it would make immense sense to appeal to the public. ask ALL residents to let outside lights on. ask them to be more alert. if they see something suspicious call 911. inform the public - postal carriers, delivery personnel, etc are around every day - keep an eye open. personally, i think the public could be of assistance.....ALL RESIDENTS, TURN YOUR OUTSIDE LIGHTS ON, LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS AND PAY ATTENTION !
ReplyDeleteGood advice. I'll do a separate post on the situation soon (for what it's worth).
Deletethanks.....just a thought. after all mailmen and delivery personnel and local contractors are OUT on the streets EVERY day ALL day....please pay attention, keep your eyes and ears open...
ReplyDelete