Press Releases

Lehigh Burglars
January 31, 2009

Perhaps it’s a sign of the times – with criminals looking to make a quick buck by breaking into people’s homes. But one victim says this is a crime which the community can help combat.

An absolute violation of her home and property – that’s the way one Lee County woman feels after a break-in at her home. In the span of just a few hours, burglars ransacked her home and stole items precious to her and her four kids.

“Your home is supposed to be your safe haven… and now my kids are afraid to sleep in their own bedroom," said Crystal, whose last name is being withheld.

Two weeks ago, someone broke into her home, in broad daylight, and stole items ranging from video game systems to a 10-year-old’s Christmas money kept inside a safe. It’s a scenario law enforcement is seeing far too often – bold home burglaries where the suspects quickly move in and out – and walk away with thousands of dollars in stolen goods.

One of the items taken from this woman’s safe contained the address of a family friend who lived a few miles away. Maybe it’s coincidence, maybe it’s not, but the friend’s house was broken into – in a very similar fashion – just six days later. The victim feels like there’s a group of pros out there – who are making a very good profit by stealing from others.

“At his house, they actually had the audacity to take a pillowcase that had his picture, and my daughter’s picture, on the pillowcase… These people aren’t afraid of anything – like you can’t touch us – we’re too good at this," Crystal said.

Detectives have been able to lift some fingerprints from the crime scenes, and hopefully that will lead to some names – and ultimately, some arrests. But in this case, and so many others just like it, the key is to get information from neighbors who witness suspicious activity.

“We’re homeowners. We don’t need to move – we need to show these people that we’re not scared and we are going to watch out for each other," Crystal said.

Anyone with information on this burglary, or any unsolved crime, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org.