Residents warned of burglars in Lyme

LYME, Conn. (WTNH) -- Police are urging residents in Lyme to take the proper precautions after burglars have been ripping off homes all across town.

The thieves have been stealing everything from jewelry to art work.

Take a drive through Lyme and you can see why people live there: quiet rural roads dotted with homes. It's a scene which provides privacy, but may also provide cover for whoever is ripping off residents.

"This is a community where some people live here part-time," said Nancy, "so I'm sure there's a lot of people who know that."

Some of those residents have contacted News 8 telling stories of safes stolen along with jewelry and silver, totaling upwards of $100,000 while they are away.

These burglars are sophisticated, careful not to disturb things and bold enough to break into homes which are alarmed.

"All these homes are just easy pickings," said Annie Pugsley.

Pugsley lives in nearby Salem and says because of travel time for state troopers burglars have time to get away.

"Easily 20 minutes ya know," Pugsley said.

"Is that because of the rural roads, everything is just so far apart," asked News 8's Tina Detelj.

"Each town can't afford to have police force so we're dependent on State Police officers to patrol," said Pugsley.

News 8 called State Police and went to town hall to find out what is being done to protect residents.

The town is joining forces with State Police to try to combat the burglaries. On the town website there are warnings about this happening in town. There's also information about how folks can get a patrol check if they are away.

"I think it's probably someone who is local," Nancy said. "Somebody who knows the area who is doing it, so they're bound to get caught. I mean people are blabber mouths."

Keeping your ears and eyes open may be what it takes to catch a thief.