Kennett police alarmed about break-ins

KENNETT, Mo. -- The Kennett Police Department is seeking information about a recent string of home burglaries and vehicle break-ins.

The latest incidents occurred early Wednesday morning. Kennett officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Bradford Place at 2:20 a.m., where residents said a man wearing a black ski mask with a skull print, black hoodie and jeans entered the home through a rear room window, pointed a gun at a 13-year-old boy and told him to stay quiet.

The suspect grabbed a purse and ran out the back door. While searching the area, officers found an open gate to the home next door that also had been burglarized. A .380 Ruger pistol was taken from that residence.

At 5:20 a.m., the police department received a report of another burglary in the 800 block of Devon Place. The homeowner told officers someone had broken into the garage and searched the vehicles parked there.

Police reported the recent string of crimes has included dozens of home burglaries and vehicle break-ins in August and September. Four arrests have been made so far.

Capt. Tim Trowbridge, the department's public information officer, said he was stunned by the brazen nature of these crimes.

"In my 22-year career, I have never seen anything like this," he said.

"We've had rashes of crimes in the past. Business break-ins used to be the thing," Trowbridge said. "But nothing like this, with guys breaking in at night, while people are home. And I'm concerned someone is going to get hurt or shot ... whether it's a victim or a suspect."

Anyone with information is asked to call 573-888- 4622.