A rash of home invasions has police warning residents to watch for suspicious activity, especially during daylight hours.
At least five homes in Independence Township have been burglarized in seemingly-related incidents, while about a dozen cases were reported in Springfield Township.
‘It’s not unexpected in a down economy like we’ve got,? said Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Independence Township substation commander Lt. Dale LaBair. ‘People need to be more diligent; look out for your neighbors and ask them to look out for you.?
In each instance, intruders broke into homes by kicking in a door or breaking glass from a window or door wall.
‘In some cases it appears (the thieves) are watching homes in a neighborhood,? said Sgt. Matt Baldes of the Independence Township substation, noting no one has reported an attempted break-in occurring while the home was occupied.
‘People go to work at eight o’clock, come home for lunch at noon, and boom, their door’s been kicked in. Or seniors go to the store, come back an hour later, and boom, their door’s been kicked in.?
According to reports, thieves have tarmostly jewelry and other small items, usually leaving bedroom dressers and closets ransacked.
In one case, a homeowner on Deer Lake Road came home to discover not only had his home been broken into while he went to the gym, but someone also left a tin box in the bathroom sink and turned on the water.
Other break-ins occurred on Curtis Lane, Meadow, Parview, and Heath.
‘We need the public’s help on this,? said Baldes. ‘Our officers have been out canvassing neighborhoods and talking to people every time we get a report. No one saw or heard anything. Even if someone you don’t know is sitting in a car outside for 15 minutes, call us so we can send someone to check it out.?
Clarkston Police Chief Dale LaCroix said no break-ins have been reported in Clarkston, but Baldes said the incidents were occurring elsewhere.
Independence and Springfield township police, he said, met to exchange information with law enforcement officials from other communities’Holly, Brandon and Fenton’who are also experiencing a rash of home invasions.
Oakland County’s Fugitive Apprehension Team is also assisting in the investigation.
In Springfield Township, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Springfield Township substation commander Sgt. Tim Willis said the township was ‘hit hard? by burglaries earlier this month, but noted none have been reported recently.
The incidents, he said, were similar to those in Independence Township, with intruders showing up during the daytime when the home is unoccupied, forcing entry and targeting small items.
‘There’s usually a pillowcase missing from inside the home,? Willis said. ? Most of the time (the burglaries) happened in more rural areas, so there were no neighbors to see or hear anything. We’re asking people to be diligent and keep an eye out.?
See or hear something suspicious? Police want to know right away. Call Oakland County dispatch at 248-858-4950.