Mattapoisett Police are investigating both a house break-in and an attempted break-in that occurred late yesterday morning, Thursday, August 2. The actual break-in occurred on Park Street, and Police Chief Mary Lyons said the suspect took jewelry and a laptop. Today, the police are checking with local pawnshops to see if any of the stolen items have turned up. Additionally, investigators lifted the house for fingerprints.
The attempted break-in happened on Pocohontas Way, where Lyons said a neighbor saw a male suspect dressed in all black approach the back of his neighbor’s house. When police arrived, the suspect had fled, but managed to break a window to try to get into the house.
These two incidences are only a fraction of the amount of robberies and attempted robberies all three police departments in the Tri-Town have faced this summer.
“This summer it seems we have had more than we usually do,” said Lyons. “This is an easy time for people to break into homes because most people are leaving their windows open.”
Last week, Mattapoisett recorded three other robberies; one on North Street and two on Route 6. In Marion, police responded to a breaking and entering on Ichabod Lane last Wednesday, July 25.
“We are out patrolling and doing the best we can looking for suspicious people in cars,” said Lyons. “But the neighbors are our best defense.”
Lyons encourages residents to notify the police of potentially suspicious activity as it is happening and not waiting until hours after the fact; something Lyons said residents have been doing, making it harder for police to catch suspects.
Here are some other tips to help keep your home safe:
•Keep car doors and house doors locked.
•Don’t let mail or newspapers build up outside your home if you go on a trip. Have a trusted neighbor take care of them for you if need be.
•Keep your lawn looking somewhat neat. If burglars see an overgrown yard, they may be more inclined to take a closer look at the house it belongs to.
•If you see suspicious people or vehicles, call the police. Try to get a license plate number or description if you can.
•When casing homes, many burglars will ring the doorbell and engage in a quick conversation if someone answers the door. Don’t open your door to someone you don’t trust.
•Use motion lights for night security.
•Be vigilant and watch your neighbors’ homes.
By Katy Fitzpatrick & Eric Tripoli
