Sgt. Mike Phipps and the Abilene Police have their hands full. That's because in the last 2 to 3 weeks there have been roughly 52 burglaries, a number Phipps says is above average. "Most of those burglaries were fairly easy, in that, the cars were unlocked or the houses were unlocked.
However, there were quite a few, also, that had doors kicked in and windows were broken out."
With this rise, APD is stepping up their patrol, "It's a lot of property, lot of electronics are being taken. So we have increased our patrol presence in those areas."
While police are looking to lower that average, it still has a great affect on those who have been victimized. Judith Napier says she had to shorten her vacation because of a break in at her home. "Well, it's very frustrating, we cut our vacation short to come home and make out police reports."
She says someone kicked in her front door and left with her big screen tv, but they also took her security. "I feel violated, they've taken advantage of your space because this is your home."
However, houses aren't the only targets, so are cars. One other victim, who didn't want to be identified, pointed out her window had been shattered by two BB pellets. "When [my husband] looked a little closer [at the window] he saw the little holes." So this family decided to move the vehicle, broken window and all, into the backyard so people wouldn't be able to mess with it anymore.
So what can be done?
Sgt. Phipps advises, "Make sure you lock everything up, and keep an eye out." He adds that the citizens are the eyes and ears that help police stop these crimes.
