String of burglaries continues in Cape Girardeau

Another burglary reported over the weekend is keeping Cape Girardeau police on the hunt for the person or people responsible for a string of late-fall and winter burglaries.

In a burglary reported Friday at 2036 Cambridge St., a rock was thrown through a sliding door at the back of the residence. Claire Karnes said when she and her fiance got home, the glass from the sliding door was still falling.

"It sounded like it was raining," Karnes said.

The burglar went upstairs and stole jewelry and cash, and Karnes said she was glad the couple didn't come home while the suspect was still inside. Now she's one of many Cape Girardeau residents who are stepping up their home security in response to the burglaries.

Another victim, who wished to remain anonymous because of fear of a repeat offense, said an alarm system is on the way. But that doesn't necessarily settle the emotions the resident feels after the break-in.

"First you're in shock because that's never happened, then fear because they might come back, then you cry, then you're angry again."

Sgt. Jason Selzer, spokesman for the police department, said there have been more than 50 related burglaries since October.

"That's when we started to see a pattern," Selzer said.

By looking at the circumstances, from type of entry to type of theft to the time frame of the burglary, Selzer said police can determine which burglaries are related.

In a majority of the burglaries, the suspects forced open a rear door or entered through a window by breaking the glass. Regardless, Selzer said they usually gained entry through the back of the house during the early evening hours.

"Usually from 4 p.m. until dark," he said. "Some have been as late as 7 or 7:30 p.m."

In most cases, he said the residence was unoccupied for a short time when the burglary took place.

While Selzer said the burglaries haven't been concentrated to one area of town, they have been more toward the north part of town in "nicer homes where you would expect to find expensive jewelry."

All of the targeted homes have been vacant at the time of the burglary, and Selzer said as with most burglars, the perpetrator or perpetrators have shown they don't want a confrontation.

Selzer said there's nothing that will always stop someone from breaking into a home, but by taking preventive measures, residents can make their home a less likely target.

One suggestion he made was to put expensive jewelry that isn't worn in a safe place such as a safety deposit box. He also said residents should keep their homes well-lit, make sure all doors are locked and keep any eye out for suspicious behavior.

"Anything you can do to make it harder, or take longer, or make noise, is a deterrent," he said.

Selzer said the investigation is open, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 335-6621. Anonymous tips can be made by calling the Crime Stoppers hot line at 332-0500.

More tips for homeowners:

• Make sure all doors are metal-clad or solid-core wood construction, and that each have a deadbolt lock.
• Replace any doors where the locking mechanism can be reached through a window, mail window or pet entrance.
• Keep the home and each entrance well-lit. Motion-sensor lighting can be installed.
• When away from home, keep some interior lights on and play a radio or television. To further create the appearance that someone is at home, use a timer to turn them on and off at normal times.
• Take extra precautions for exterior doors on the rear and sides of the home, as they may be less observable from the street and by neighbors than a front entrance.
• Ask neighbors to report any suspicious people or activities around your home and do the same for others.