MILLCREEK, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Police are warning residents tonight in Millcreek. They say there's been a string of daytime home burglaries in the area. Police have arrested a man and they're working at connecting all the burglaries.
Police say there could be many reasons why this is happening, but say home burglaries are crimes of opportunity. Many homes are empty during the day making it easier for these suspects to get inside, take valuables, and leave without being noticed.
Police have arrested 25 year old Kent stuart in connection with three Millcreek daytime home burglaries. Police say within minutes Stuart made his way from 1110 East Hillview Drive to 1400 East 4112 South where he got into a scuffle with the home owner, and then to 1476 East 4200 South where he was caught by police. Lt. Don Hutson says, “They're looking for high dollar items such as jewelry or cash that are easy to transport.”
Police believe stuart may also be responsible for other Millcreek burglaries. Another home was broken into three weeks ago. The suspect allegedly climbed in through a back garage window, and used a sledge hammer and garden shears to get inside the house. Homeowner Allison Gerrard says, “He had walked past laptops, flat screen tv, straight into the bedroom, did not go into any other bedroom and just went straight for the jewelry.”
Gerrard lost $15,000 worth of very personal belongings and wants others to know that daytime home burglaries are a growing problem. She says, “I think it's just going to get worse in the summer so we have to really be watching.”
Lt. Don Hutson says, “They want the ability to go in a home and collect items of value and then leave without having a confrontation.”
Gerrard says, “Some good has some out of it too because I’ve talked to the neighbors and we're all watching out for each other a little bit better.”
Police say the start of a neighborhood watch is a good idea. Also fortifying your home with an alarm system or dog can help deter burglars. Of course the very basics like locking doors and windows, and keeping garage doors closed will also help.
