New York - Professional Gang On Burglary Spree In Westchester


Imagine returning home only to find your underwear drawer ransacked by a stranger and your valuable jewelry no where to be found. That's the frightening scenario confronting homeowners in five swanky neighborhoods in Westchester County, where a professional gang is carrying out a suburban burglary spree. 

Inside the New Rochelle police forensics unit, Det. Isabel O'Rourke has a growing collection of evidence from the spree, including pictures of windows forced open with crowbars; bedroom closets ransacked; and dressers searched for valuables in the targeted neighborhood, where homes start at $600,000. 

"We're nervous," said New Rochelle resident Glenn Staropoli. "We live in a pretty nice area, not used to this kind of stuff and now it's starting to happen more and more." 

Police say a professional burglary gang has targeted 22 homes in the city's swanky north end since November. The same crew may have struck homes in nearby posh suburbs, including Scarsdale, Eastchester, Rye, and Harrison. 

They target homes that appear empty and strike between 5 and 11 p.m. 

Bill Hertwig said the backyard burglars recently hit two of his neighbors, forcing open rear windows, grabbing jewelry from the bedrooms. 

"I've spoken to several neighbors who have gotten broken into. It's a very upsetting experience, it's one that I don't want to experience," said Hertwig. 

Hertwig said nervous homeowners are upgrading security. Virtually every home on his street now has an alarm system. Another key prevention measure: exterior lighting. Many residents are installing these fixtures with motion sensors. They turn the light on if someone is moving nearby. 

Police are stepping up patrols, looking for unusual activity and vehicles. 

"Some of the information includes the possibility that a white van may be one of the vehicles that's been used in these incidents," said New Rochelle Police Capt. Joseph Schaller. 

Police urge residents to stay aware and report anything suspicious. They say the burglars have scored tens of thousands of dollars and other valuables. They work quick, even when they trip alarms, they're gone before police arrive. 

CBS 2

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