Vigilance can help catch jewelry thieves, neighborhood group told

Cape Girardeau police believe the burglars who focus on jewelry during daylight break-ins are one vigilant neighbor away from being caught.

During a meeting of the Neighborhood Connections watch group for the central city, community affairs officer Richard Couch said the burglars, who smash door windows and rifle bedrooms looking for gold and gems, will be apprehended when people pay closer attention.

He urged the 20 people taking part in a meeting at Broadway Books and Roasting Co. to call whenever they see somebody suspicious at a neighbor's house. "Call us even if it turns out to be the cousin of your next-door neighbor in from Florida," he said. "If we could get a license number on this person, this would be a done deal."

More than 55 burglaries that police believe are connected have been reported since October. The burglars leave inexpensive or costume jewelry behind, clearly knowing exactly what to steal when they find it, Couch said. They have even hit a dental laboratory, taking only the gold and silver, Couch said.

"That is what the FBI calls a clue," he said.

Debbie Ebaugh, an educator with the Cape Girardeau School District, is one of the victims. She told Couch that her storm-door window was smashed Monday. Her jewelry boxes were scattered around her bedroom in her home in central Cape Girardeau, but nothing was stolen. She said she believes her son spooked the burglars by arriving home unexpectedly.

The Neighborhood Connections group is a neighborhood watch organization covering the area from Spanish Street on the east to Sprigg Street on the west, between Independence Street and North Street. The group is about more than keeping an eye on crime, said Rev. Bob Towner of Christ Episcopal Church.

"We want to have a safe, walkable neighborhood," Towner said.

During Thursday's discussions, the group also heard from Tim Morgan, head of inspections for the city, and Sarah Wallace, a planner who is working through a complete overhaul of city zoning codes.

In a discussion of rental properties, Morgan said the city is examining whether to begin a comprehensive inspection program. The city does not regularly review rentals for compliance with building codes or livability rules.

Morgan reminded the group that the city cannot inspect the living area of a rental unit without the landlord's cooperation or the tenant's permission. The city requires a signed complaint before it will act, he said.

That may change, Morgan said. "The first thing is to make a registration requirement for every rental property and every landlord," he said.

The zoning code overhaul is intended to bring the city's laws up to date, Wallace said. The last comprehensive review took place 40 years ago, she said. "We are trying to provide a document that will serve us not just for a couple of years but the next 10 years," she said.

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent addresses:

605 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

101 N. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.