Takoma Park Police have taken five reports for residential burglaries this month in Victor sector and three in X-ray sector. In each crime, burglars appear to have gained entrance through rear windows, often after removing screens and entering unlocked windows. Residents are urged to secure windows and doors both day and night. With several daytime burglaries, residents should be aware of strangers on their neighbors' property and report any suspicious behavior.
Residents Interupt Burglars
The most recent burglary was a Sept. 20 nighttime crime in the 7100 block of Maple Avenue, during which residents were awakened. As he walked downstairs, the male resident heard a male voice speak. The female resident, upstairs in the home, then observed a man flee through the rear yard. Property was taken and no injuries were reported. Investigation suggests the suspect entered the home by removing a first floor window screen and entering the open window.
On Sept. 19, residents returned to their home in the unit block of Pine Avenue shortly after noon and interrupted a burglar in the house. The suspect fled, with unknown property, and no injuries were reported. The suspect is described as a stocky black male, in his 20s, about 5'8", wearing black shirt and shorts and red bandana, carrying a black book bag with white trim. Entry appears to have been through an unsecured window.
Daytime Entrance, Unlocked Windows
In several burglaries, residents returned home at the end of a workday to find their homes had been searched and property taken. One crime took place in the 100 block of Tulip Avenue, Sept. 5 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. with entry made by breaking a window. The other, in the unit block of Philadelphia, took place Sept. 11 between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. A broken screen was observed as a possible point of entry.
Along the New Hampshire Avenue corridor, three daytime burglaries occurred with access through unsecured windows: Aug. 16 and Sept. 16 in the 7400 block of Glenside and Sept. 5 in the 1000 block of Heather. In one of these, the suspect(s) climbed to an open second story window.
On Sept. 7, between 6 and 8 a.m., property was taken from an occupied home in the 6700 block of Gude. Possible entry sites were an unlocked door or large dog door.
In August, a resident in the 6600 block of Westmoreland reported a daytime theft of tools from an unlocked shed. Another theft from an open shed took place Sept. 3 in the 1100 block of Larch.
Pleasant fall weather can present opportunities for home burglaries. Most burglars are seeking a quick opportunity to obtain valuables in the easiest possible way. Residents should reduce the opportunity for crime, making it harder for the thief, by increasing the time, visibility or noise factors. Residents are reminded to take care at night to close and lock windows, if at all possible.
Police suggest that whenever possible windows should be closed and locked, especially first floor or basement windows. If open windows are necessary for circulation, special pinning systems can be installed to allow ventilation but to maintain greater safety. Residents can request home security surveys for individualized advice on increasing personal and home security. Contact the COP team at 301/891-7124 or 301/270-1100.
Given the number of daytime burglaries, residents should be aware of suspicious behaviors and report them to the Takoma Park Police at 301/270-1100. Examples are people approaching homes or backyards where residents are known to be absent or strangers strolling in the area without apparent purpose.
Carol A. Bannerman
Police Affairs Specialist
301.891.7142