Home burglaries under investigation in Abington Township

WILLOW GROVE, Pa. (WPVI) -- Police are probing a rash of home burglaries in Abington Township, Montgomery County.

One victim wants her neighbors to protect themselves so this doesn't happen again.

Police want people to lock their windows and doors. In all three cases, it was a window left unlocked that gave the suspect access.

It was Tuesday morning when Katie Filemyr noticed something wasn't quite right in her Willow Grove home.

"I came downstairs leaving for work and I noticed the couch cushion was up on its side and the curtain was blowing," she said.

She then discovered a lawn chair had been placed just underneath the front window. That was when she knew the home she shares with her parents had been burglarized.

"I mean we were all upstairs sleeping, so I think just knowing that someone was walking around the house while we were all home was definitely unsettling," Filemyr added.

She says a wallet and purse were stolen, and while they were later found down the street, the cash was gone.

Police believe this is one of three connected residential burglaries in Abington Township.

Another one happened that same night just around the corner on the 1800 block of Lukens Avenue.

The first happened a week ago on the 1400 block of Jericho Road in Abington.

In all three cases, the thefts happened overnight while the victims were sleeping, and entry was made through an unlocked first floor window.

Chief John Livingood of Abington Township Police Department said, "Criminals are often looking for an opportunity where they don't have to break glass or pry anything open. They can get into a house or a car."

Many neighbors say they were surprised to hear about the break-ins in such a quiet area. Some say they already keep things secure.

"We keep everything locked. Doors locked, and cars locked. We have a security system," Tom Ballock of Willow Grove said.

Others are now thinking about installing surveillance cameras and say the news is disturbing.

"I'm just truly disappointed hearing news like that on my block. A lot of my neighbors are older. Retired," Loretta Kalitowski of Willow Grove said.

In all three cases, a small amount of cash was taken. In one case, a laptop was stolen as well.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

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