Thieves target Tonawanda neighborhood

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Neighbors in the Town of Tonawanda should lock their doors and check them twice. Thieves are targeting vulnerable homes this holiday season.

Burglars casing a Town of Tonawanda neighborhood already helped themselves to Christmas goodies by breaking into eight homes in broad daylight, making off with more than just cash and jewelry.

Lt. Nick Bado said, "At least four of these had large flat screen TVs taken. So it's leading us to believe that maybe we're looking at more than one person committing the crimes. Maybe there's a vehicle involved."

One couple was away from home for an hour when the burglary occurred.

Victim Glenna said, "It makes us feel extremely violated. Like, after that for a whole week when I came home, I would look down the street and think, 'Was somebody watching us? Or, what?' Because we've lived here for over 40 years."

Glenna's husband Peter told News 4 how easy it was for the burglars to break in.

"Well they broke the window and just reached in and opened the door, and they were in," Peter said.

Lt. Bado added, "Half of them had unlocked doors. Half of them had old type doors that were easy targets with the little panes of glass that you can break real easily, and reach in and unlock the door that doesn't have a deadbolt."

Tips to keep your home safe:

• If you see something suspicious, call the police.
• Alarm systems are excellent for home security as well as peace of mind
• Locking your doors is highly recommended.
• Install a more modern door with deadbolt locks. If you have a sliding door with a lock, also use a piece of wood along the track to stop it from opening.
• Close and lock the garage door.
• Close and lock windows, especially at night or when leaving the house.
• Motion lights are a worthwhile investment.
• Other standard advice, such as leaving lights or televisions on while not home, still applies.

Extra tips:

• Engraving identification markings into your valuables.
• Photocopy the contents of your wallet .
• Get a home safe.
• Be a good neighbor. Communicate often, build some mutual trust and watch each other’s homes.

Anyone with information about the recent crimes should call the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 879-6633 or the Confidential Tip Line at 879-6606.