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Police investigating burglaries into unlocked houses in west area of the city

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating several residential burglaries in the southwest area of the city. Entries to all residences were made in similar fashion via unsecured doors. Taken from the residences were items such as laptop computers, small electronics, gift cards and jewelry.

All incidents are similar in nature and are occurring during daylight hours.

Police will be increasing patrol activities in this area. The police department is also asking residents to be observant for, and to report, any strange activity or unknown persons in their neighborhood. Police ask that residents not attempt to intervene, but rather obtain a description of the person or persons involved, any vehicles involved as well as any direction of travel. Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately and report the incident.

All residents are reminded of the importance of locking the doors to their homes even during the daytime hours. Residents are also reminded of the importance of documenting serial numbers or other identifying numbers of valuable items in the event they become lost or stolen. This documentation will assist the police in tracking the items if necessary.

Anyone with information regarding these burglaries, or any unsolved crime, is encouraged to contact the Batavia Police Department at 345-6350. Residents may also contact the Batavia Police Department’s Confidential Tip Line at 345-6370.

scott williams

Seems I remember some time ago a stupid burglar who lead police right to his house after a fresh snow fall maybe this dumb ass will be as intelligent. All on the west side probably means a lazy burglar can't walk any further. Another reason to be a gun owner, to protect yourself in your own home.

Dec 28, 2012, 11:54am Permalink
Dave Olsen

Doug, I think that a locked door makes it a bit harder to get in a house (or car). It takes up time and leaves them exposed, a thief doesn't want to be seen jimmying a door or breaking a window, if he can just open the door and walk in, he might not get noticed. Most likely it'll turn out to be someone who knows these people and knows they leave their doors open. I hate thieves, especially ones who steal from their neighbors, friends and family.

Dec 28, 2012, 4:30pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

Locking my doors never stopped anyone from robbing my house. In fact, it didn't slow them down at all. They just kicked in the door or broke the back window. My immediate neighbors claimed to have never heard a thing. Eventually I left the doors unlocked so that they could just come in and I wouldn't have to replace the door. I moved out of the city of Rochester to East Bethany in order to escape the high crime. The reality is that it doesn't matter where you live..people are the same all over. My 4 wheeler was stolen right out of my driveway on East Rd and as far as I know has never been found by police.

Dec 29, 2012, 7:56am Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Jason since you seem to like making comments it seems that you would have to include yourself in that statement about commentors having nothing of value to steal. I have a gun bur for saftey it is kept safely stored and unloaded. Even with my foot not being 100% I had fun for years training in the SCA learning archaic self defense skills. The person who enters my house will have about 2 and 1/2 feet of sharpened steel to deal with.... Decorations make excellent home defense be they sword, axe or mace.

I think Jason might be a little sarcastic because these might be friends of his we contemplate doing harm to when they enter our homes. Can't think of any other logical reason for his comments. Can anyone else?

Dec 29, 2012, 1:34pm Permalink

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