Burglars strike Pawcatuck neighborhood

STONINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Residents in Pawcatuck are on alert after three burglaries were reported near Mystic Avenue and Clark Street starting Sunday.

"We're working now to see if the three of these are connected," said Capt. Jerry Desmond, Stonington Police.

In the first two burglaries thieves broke into unlocked garages stealing a bicycle and cash. And then on Tuesday night around 11 o'clock, police said someone went into a house and when that person found out that someone was home he took off running.

"If someone's going to be brazen enough to enter a home that's a whole different ball game so to speak," said Judd Dills, of Pawcatuck. "That takes it to another level."

Police believe these are crimes of opportunity or convenience. News 8 is helping spread the word from police that residents should secure valuables and lock up their homes and garages.

"When we start to get a series of these type of burglaries in a certain region then we want to make sure the public in that area know so they can take extra precaution," Desmond said.

"There's been some different people around here lately like walking up and down the streets that I haven't really recognized and there was somebody parked outside my grandmother's house Saturday night," said Valerie Mueller, of Pawcatuck.

"We don't want that type of element in our neighborhoods and so it's certainly a concern," said Dills.

News 8 is watching out for residents who are also watching out for their neighbors, while police try to track down the thieves.