Cape police investigate winter burglaries

Cape Girardeau police continue to investigate more than 50 late fall and winter burglaries they say appear to be the work of professionals.

Another burglary was reported Monday at 451 N. Frederick St., but it doesn't appear to be connected with the others, said Sgt. Jason Selzer, spokesman for the police department.

In that burglary, the complainant reported two shirts, two pairs of jeans and a television set missing, but the burglary string of the last few months mostly involved theft of jewelry, firearms and sometimes cash.

Most of the jewelry taken was high quality, Selzer said, and the burglars would often leave things of lesser value.

The burglaries were not concentrated in any one neighborhood, and most occurred during the dinner hour or late afternoon, police have said.

In a majority of the burglaries, the suspects entered through a rear window or door by breaking the glass to gain entry.

Investigators have not been able to recover many of the stolen items taken during the burglaries, police have said.

Most of the items are likely being resold out of state, Selzer said in previous interviews.

All of the homes targeted have been vacant at the time of the burglaries, and no one has been injured during any of the incidents, Selzer said.

In one instance, the residents left at 4:30 and returned two hours later to find their home had been burglarized, indicating more than one person is likely involved in the thefts.

The subjects appear to be committing the break-ins and getting out of the house fairly quickly, Selzer said.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

388-3635