Police report rash of burglaries in Upper Darby

UPPER DARBY, Pa. (WPVI) -- Several burglaries have police on alert in the Drexel Park section of Upper Darby, and authorities say the rate of incidents appears to be on the rise.

Police believe the crimes are the work of one suspect, possibly two, who are looking for items to sell for quick cash to feed an opioid addiction.

"I figure they're out for drugs," said local resident Joe Gormley.

Gormley, 86, and his 85-year-old wife Joan were away from home last week, only to return to find their home had been broken into and ransacked.

"Everything is gone," said Joan Gormley, motioning to her jewelry box. "That's all they left, took all my earrings, all my bracelets, all kinds of mementos, things that meant a lot to me, from my children and grandchildren."

Police said they have tracked four burglaries within the last three weeks that they believe are all connected.

All of the victims live in the Drexel Park section and all were not at home when their homes were broken into.

"It seems to be escalating in a time frame, but having the experience that I have, these individuals are desperate and they're going to keep going," said Upper Darby Police Supt. Mike Chitwood. "God forbid somebody's in there, they're going to get hurt."

"They're not going stop until they're caught and that's hopefully what we can do," he added.

Police are reminding people that if they see anything suspicious, be sure to report it.

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