WESTFIELD – City police are urging residents of the north side of the city to be vigilant for suspicious persons or vehicles after at least four residences were broken into recently for daytime burglaries.
Det. Sgt. Stephen Dickinson said Monday that detectives are investigating break-ins on Wyben Road, North Road, Russellville Road and Bayberry Lane which share similarities.
Dickinson said that in all four crimes, the homes were entered during daylight hours and entry was made by prying open a door.
He said that, when the intruder makes entry, the primary target of the thief has apparently been small and portable items.
In most of the cases, electronic items, which are often the target of thieves, have been bypassed in favor of jewelry and cash.
In one of the cases, however, a flat screen television was stolen.
Dickinson said that anybody who sees a person or vehicle in an unusual or suspicious area should not hesitate to call police.
“Take a plate number down, if it’s safe” Dickinson said but went on to say that the most important thing to do is call police immediately if anything or anybody seen raises concerns.
Residents who see anything out of the ordinary are urged to call Westfield police at 562-5411 or the Detective Bureau at 572-6400.
In Southwick, police are investigating a rash of daytime breaking and enterings there, as well.
The description of the break-ins is similar to those occurring in Westfield.
“It’s an ongoing investigation and we’re comparing notes with Westfield,” said Southwick Police Sgt. Robert Landis yesterday. “We’re trying to see if they’re connected.”
Southwick has had five incidents, including one attempted breaking and entering.
“We think the thief or thieves is canvassing a neighborhood looking for a home that appears unoccupied,” said Landis.
Southwick has also had a fair amount of recent break-ins to vehicles, said Landis, which are also under investigation.
“We ask everyone to keep an eye on their neighbors and call us if they see anything unusual,” he said.
Hope Tremblay contributed to this article.
