LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Main Line residents are being asked to be vigilant following a string of residential burglaries in recent weeks. Police believe well-organized groups of thieves have been targeting unoccupied homes.
“They’re going to the rear of the properties, entering through windows, breaking windows or rear slider doors. We’ve had a couple where they were able to get themselves to the second story,” Lower Merion Police Lt. Jim Baitinger told NBC10.
At least 13 residences have been hit since September, according to police. The homes are in Villanova, Gladwyne, Bryn Mawr and Penn Valley.
The groups behind the break-ins are believed to be from South America, police said, and they have been taking cash, jewelry and electronics. The incidents happened between 4 and 10 p.m.
Police in Radnor Township have reported similar incidents, as have areas outside of the Main Line, like Abington.
Police are urging people to be aware of their surroundings and to call 911 if they see something suspicious. Lower Merion police even held a training session for dog walkers Thursday night.
“We hope to convert many of those walkers to ‘extra eyes and ears’ for the Police Department as part of the Township’s ongoing crime prevention efforts,” Matt Peskin, president of Lower Merion Community Watch, said in a statement. “All walkers can be a valuable resource in helping to make our community safer.”
Lower Merion police also pointed to their Vacant House Program. Township residents who are going away for more than 48 hours can inform police of their plans ahead of time. An officer would then do periodic home checks while the residents are away. Other police departments in the region have similar programs.