Cardboard now replaces glass panes from the side door of a Royersford, Montgomery County home. It was broken into on Friday. The thief snatched a sentimental jewelry collection. The victim does not want to be identified.
"Every time I go into the bedroom, I look and see those boxes gone. I just want to sit down and cry," she said.
She's not alone. Her South Township Line Road neighbor was also hit this week.
Fred Beinert showed his broken deadbolt and busted back door. He says the seemingly skilled burglars broke into his home sometime between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.
"I'm amazed at how they can remove a cylinder lock, dead bolt lock without damage to the outside," said Fred.
The Upper Providence Township Police Department says the recent spike in burglaries is alarming.
Detectives have investigated 13 home break-ins since May and almost 30 since last fall.
"I hope they find whoever's doing this and put a stop to it."
Recently, strange activity has coincided with the crimes.
"Our witness reported suspicious activity where a gentleman had come to the back door of her home and solicited roofing work, and she had turned him down," said Detective Raymond Bechtel.
Detective Bechtel warns residents to beware and be vigilant in your communities.
"If you're going away especially in the summer months on vacation, maybe if you have good friends or neighbors, let them know you're going to be gone, and we're asking everybody to just be observant of their neighbors," Detective Bechtel suggests.
The Upper Providence Township Police Department is working the case from all angles, but could use the public's help. If you have any information about these burglaries or see anything suspicious, call Upper Providence Township Police at 610-489-9332.
